Emojis, SIM swaps: How Hamas greenlit October 7 massacre, undetected by Israel - Amir Bohbot

 

by Amir Bohbot

Findings from an IDF General Staff investigation, which also drew on intelligence collected during fighting, indicate the emoji traffic was one of several signs that Hamas was preparing an assault.

 

A protester holds a mobile phone with a Palestinian flag and a photo of slain Hamas spokesman Abu Obeidah, during a rally held by Houthi protesters to show solidarity with Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, in Sanaa, Yemen, August 30, 2024

(photo credit: REUTERS/KHALED ABDULLAH)

 

Hamas’s military wing began sending coded emoji messages on WhatsApp to operatives’ phones just hours before the October 7, 2023, attack, using the symbols as an agreed signal to mobilize terrorists to mosques for last-minute instructions, Israeli media reported on Monday.

Findings from an IDF General Staff investigation, which also drew on intelligence collected during fighting, indicate the high usage of emojis was one of several warning signs overnight that Hamas was preparing a large-scale assault on Israel.

According to military sources, once operatives received the emoji signal, they moved to mosques or designated collection points, where they received briefings and were directed to retrieve equipment from home or from pre-stocked “combat bags” containing military and personal gear.

Some operatives were instructed to replace Palestinian SIM cards with Israeli ones, a step the sources said was meant to expand the ability to retrospectively map movement while also disrupting Israeli intelligence tracking capabilities.

The IDF probe described a large number of indicators during the night, suggesting Hamas was moving toward a broad attack, including the removal of coverings from rocket launchers, heavy vehicle movement, the opening of command centers, and extensive cellular traffic.

Palestinians seen at the Erez Crossing at the northern Gaza Strip, after Hamas launched an invasion into Israel, October 7, 2023 (credit: ATIA MOHAMMED/FLASH90)

It also cited what it described as an unusual development: commanders descending into underground systems with their families, a step investigators assessed as unlikely during an exercise.

Operatives mobilized over signal moved underground, went to get prepared

Military sources said operatives who mobilized after the signal either moved into underground networks to prepare or went to storage sites to put on uniforms and vests and collect weapons and other equipment.

Some bags reportedly included folders labeled with operatives’ names, containing operational plans, maps, technical instructions for equipment, medical guidance for casualties, and orders that the sources said pointed to planning for mass killing.

The report also noted that an intelligence noncommissioned officer identified only as 'V,' described as an expert on Hamas’s military wing, repeatedly warned commanders via numerous emails months before October 7 that Hamas was preparing for a wide operational plan and tactical actions on the ground.

According to sources familiar with the correspondence, the warnings were distributed widely to dozens of recipients, but only a small number responded, and 'V' maintained the assessment was “serious, well-founded and reliable,” even though she could not specify when an attack would occur.

The sources said her insistence was driven by subtle changes she detected in training behavior and intent, arguing she was among the few who concluded Hamas was moving beyond planning toward execution.

Amir Bohbot

Source: https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-886826

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