Synopsis
Israel has disclosed intelligence indicating a direct financial link between Hamas and Iran, revealing a request for $500 million to fund its attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. This information was shared by Defence Minister Israel Katz and suggests ongoing Iranian support for Hamas amidst regional tensions.Key Takeaways
- Israel released intelligence showing a financial link with Hamas.
- Hamas requested $500 million from Iran for the October attack.
- Iran's IRGC is involved in supporting Hamas operations.
- Protests against Hamas are growing in Gaza.
- The situation remains tense amidst ongoing Israeli and Iranian conflict.
Tel Aviv, April 7 (NationPress) Israel has disclosed an intelligence document that, as stated by its officials, uncovers a direct financial and operational connection between Hamas and Iran, which includes a request for $500 million to execute its plans to invade Israel -- an attack that was carried out on October 7, 2023.
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz shared the document along with a video on the social media platform X, asserting, "I am revealing here for the first time a document that was discovered in the tunnels of senior Hamas officials in Gaza, which validates a direct relationship between Iran and Yahya Sinwar and Muhammad Deif, as part of Iran's support for the Hamas strategy to annihilate Israel."
The intelligence material was reportedly found by Israeli forces during operations in Hamas tunnels and was presented during Katz's visit to the IDF's Amshat intelligence unit, as reported by The Times of Israel.
According to Katz, the document details Hamas's request to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Quds Force for $20 million each month over a span of two years.
The declared aim -- to "uproot this monstrous entity" and "bring an end to this dark period in the history of our nation."
Katz also claimed that Hossein Akbari Izadi, head of the IRGC's Palestinian department, replied by promising Hamas continued support despite Iran's economic challenges, confirming Tehran's strategic focus on opposing Israel and the United States.
"In the document, Hamas requests $500 million from the IRGC's Quds Force to finance Israel's destruction," Katz stated, further asserting, "Iran is the head of the snake."
He mentioned that Iran's support extends beyond Gaza to other areas, including Lebanon, Syria, Judea and Samaria, and the Houthis in Yemen, labeling it a wide-ranging "axis of terror."
"Israel will do whatever is necessary to prevent Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons and will continue targeting its terror proxies until the Iranian axis of evil is dismantled," the Defence Minister affirmed.
These revelations emerge as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is visiting the United States for discussions with former President Donald Trump and other officials, reportedly focusing on the conflict in Gaza, trade, and regional security issues.
Meanwhile, discontent in Gaza seems to be on the rise.
The Times of Israel reported fresh protests in Jabalia, northern Gaza, where demonstrators shouted slogans such as "Hamas are terrorists" and "Hamas are garbage."
Anti-Hamas protests have intermittently resurfaced in recent weeks despite reported crackdowns by the group.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas initiated an unprecedented assault on southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of over 1,200 individuals and the abduction of 251 hostages. As per Israeli statistics, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, with 35 of them presumed dead.
