Hamas Issues 'Unprecedented' Warning of October 7-Style Attacks
The terrorist group cites financial struggles and frustration with Palestinian leadership as motivations for the threat.
Hamas has issued an "unprecedented" warning that it is prepared to carry out attacks similar to the October 7 massacre, according to reports. The group stated its readiness to unleash violence against targets in Israel, Judea, Samaria, and abroad whenever opportunities arise.
The threat was conveyed to UN humanitarian coordinator Dr. Ramiz Alakbarov by senior Hamas officials during a meeting last week in Gaza. Ynet reported that the officials informed Alakbarov of Hamas's financial difficulties and diminishing control over the Gaza Strip, attributing these challenges to ongoing Israeli military operations and border adjustments.
Hamas also expressed frustration with Palestinian Authority chief Mahmoud Abbas for canceling elections that had been scheduled for late November. Alakbarov subsequently relayed this warning to Major General Yoram Halevy, Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT).
Sources familiar with the situation described the threat as notably direct. This warning comes shortly after Israel announced the elimination of a Hamas terrorist involved in the abduction and killing of Shani Louk on October 7. Tamer Muhammad Ibrahim al-Sabbagh, the last remaining member of the Hamas cell responsible for Louk's death, was killed in an airstrike in northern Gaza. Three other members of the cell were killed earlier in the conflict, and one was captured.
Shani Louk, a 22-year-old Israeli civilian, was kidnapped from the Nova music festival near Re’im on October 7, 2023. Infamous images showed her semi-naked body being paraded in a pickup truck in Gaza, making her a symbol of the atrocities committed that day. Forensic examiners confirmed her death in late October 2023 after identifying a piece of her skull. Israeli soldiers located her remains in May 2024 and returned them to Israel for burial.
The IDF stated that al-Sabbagh had conducted advanced attacks against Israeli troops and civilians and worked to restore Hamas's capabilities in systematic violation of the ceasefire. His elimination was deemed necessary to remove the threat he posed.
Meanwhile, international mediators have reiterated demands for Hamas to disarm, a condition considered essential for the US-brokered ceasefire and the eventual reconstruction of Gaza. However, progress has been stalled as negotiators struggle to agree on terms for Hamas to surrender its weapons and for Israel to withdraw its troops.
Israeli airstrikes have intensified in recent weeks. Palestinian health officials report that at least 1,500 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza since the ceasefire, while Israel states that four soldiers have been killed. Palestinian authorities claim that over 74,000 people have died in Israel's offensive, which began after Hamas terrorists killed 1,200 people on October 7.