Hamas: "Israel Attack Prepared for 2 Years... Goal Is Prisoner Exchange with US"

"Iran and Hezbollah Provide Funding"
"US Recently Conducts Prisoner Exchange with Iran"

The Palestinian armed group Hamas claimed that it has been preparing for the past two years to launch a surprise attack on southern Israel, adjacent to the Gaza Strip. Hamas stated that it receives financial support from Iran and Hezbollah, and that its greatest goal is to exchange prisoners with the United States and Palestine.

[Image source=AFP Yonhap News]

On the 11th (local time), Ali Baraka, a senior official of Hamas's diplomatic bureau (NRA) based in Lebanon, said in an interview with the AP news agency, "This attack on Israel was prepared for more than two years, centered around six commanders," and added, "We have manufactured many (missiles). There is a factory on site capable of producing everything."

He continued, "The factory can produce missiles with a maximum range of up to 250 km, as well as mortars, mortar shells, and rifles," and explained, "To prevent any information leaks, except for the commanders leading the attack, no other members were allowed to know the exact timing of the operation's start."

Baraka avoided answering whether there was specific external involvement or military aid in the attack plan but flaunted that Hamas's allies provide funding and that several countries are behind them.

He emphasized, "Above all, it is Iran and Hezbollah who provide us with money and weapons." He added, "Thirty minutes after Hamas launched the attack, we contacted our allies Hezbollah, Iran, and Palestinian resistance forces, and also notified Turkey. Russia also attempted to contact us after the operation to ask questions about the attack, and we provided information about the current situation and combat objectives."

He further boasted of the ties with Russia, stating that Russia is very pleased with Hamas's surprise attack on Israel. Baraka said, "Russia is glad that global attention has shifted from the war in Ukraine to the Israel-Hamas conflict," and emphasized, "Russia sympathizes and feels compassion for us. As the U.S. becomes entangled with Palestine, Russia's pressure on Ukraine will decrease."

He also claimed that one of Hamas's goals through this attack is the release of Palestinian prisoners held in the United States. He stated, "We urge the U.S. to release our people imprisoned in American jails. The U.S. recently conducted a prisoner exchange with Iran. There is no reason why they should not do the same with us."