On 07 OCTOBER 2023, Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist group based in the Gaza Strip, began a devastating and coordinated attack that shook Israel. Beginning at approximately 0630 (UTC+03), Hamas launched a massive rocket barrage targeting civilian areas while simultaneously Hamas terrorist operatives initiated infiltration operations, breaching the communities surrounding the Gaza Strip. This brutal assault led to violent confrontations with Israeli residents, law enforcement, and the Israel Defense Forces. In response the terrorists infiltration, murder and hostage taking of civilians, the State of Israel launched Operation Swords of Iron. 

This report is part of a series of special reports by the ICT analzying the actions, strategies, and goals of the terrorist organizations involved. This preliminary analysis reviews the sophisticated media campaign deployed by Hamas prior to, and throughout this ongoing conflict.