Religious Ideology Fueled Hamas's October 7th Attack, Report Claims
Translated & summarized from Behadrei Haredim by baba
Hamas's October 7th attack on Israel was heavily influenced by religious ideology, according to the Amit Institute for Terror and Intelligence Research. The operation's codename and slogans invoked Quranic verses, and religious texts on jihad and martyrdom were found among operatives. The belief in divine victory and martyrdom motivated the decision to attack, despite anticipated Israeli retaliation. This reflects a shift in Hamas towards a more jihadist-inspired approach, with evidence of religious indoctrination in summer camps and military training.
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hamas's October 7th attack was significantly driven by religious ideology and Quranic interpretations.
- The operation's codename, "Tufan Al-Aqsa," and associated slogans invoked religious themes.
- Belief in divine victory and martyrdom motivated Hamas leadership to launch the attack.
- Evidence of religious indoctrination was found in instruction kits and military training materials.
- The attack reflects Hamas's ideological shift towards a more jihadist-inspired movement.
Hamas's extensive attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which included raids and massacres in Gaza border communities and the western Negev, alongside rocket fire across Israel, was significantly influenced by religious beliefs and interpretations of the Quran. The assault, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths and more than 200 hostages taken to Gaza, was planned by Yahya Sinwar and Mohammed Deif.
According to the Amit Institute for Terror and Intelligence Research, the religious dimension was evident in the operation's codename, "Tufan Al-Aqsa" (Al-Aqsa Flood), which incorporated a Quranic verse: "Enter upon them through the gate; when you enter, you will be victorious. And upon Allah rely, if you are [indeed] believers." This phrase also appeared on the invasion plan, dubbed "Jericho Wall" in Israel, and was reportedly shouted by Hamas operatives during the incursion.
The choice of the word "Tufan" (flood) was intended to allude to rocket and missile launches, drawing an analogy to the biblical story of Noah's flood as divine punishment for sinners. The institute assesses that religious considerations played a crucial role in Hamas leadership's decision to launch the attack, despite anticipating a strong Israeli response and limited support from Hezbollah and Iran. The belief in a divine promise of victory and the martyrdom for Allah were key factors.
This shift indicates Hamas's move from an ideology emphasizing the Muslim Brotherhood's model of charity and political action alongside armed struggle, towards a movement inspired by the jihadist current associated with Al-Qaeda and ISIS. Evidence of religious indoctrination was found in a religious instruction kit discovered on Hamas Nukhba operatives, containing a Quran, books on jihad, martyrdom, and rulings on warfare.
Hamas also conducted summer camps, operated by its military wing until July 2023, which included military training and indoctrination for tens of thousands of children and youth. Documents seized by the IDF during operations in Gaza revealed that new recruits underwent mental training with religious lectures and swore allegiance to the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, alongside combat skills.
Reports from survivors and seized documents indicate that Hamas operatives were instructed to act with extreme cruelty towards Jews, soldiers, and civilians, justifying these actions in the name of Islam. One note found on a deceased military wing commander urged his fighters to kill as many Jews as possible, beheading them and removing their hearts and livers, citing Islamic justifications.
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