Hamas bodycam reveals start of Israel attacks on October 7
The IDF obtained a body camera video from a Hamas militant, revealing the initial moments of the October 7 attack on Israel.
Unveiling the Reality: Hamas’ Audacious Assault on Israel – A Glimpse Through the Bodycam Lens
On the early morning of October 7, on the eastern edge of Gaza, a group of Hamas militants geared up for a carefully orchestrated assault on Israel. The dawn, still a few minutes away, marked the commencement of a harrowing event that Israeli officials likened to 9/11. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) recently released a chilling bodycam video, providing a unique glimpse into the brutal reality of the October 7 attack.
The footage, spanning 100 uninterrupted minutes, begins before the assault, showcasing the meticulous planning and coordination behind Hamas’ multi-pronged assault. The militants, some on motorbikes and others packed into a white pickup truck, cross the first border fence separating Gaza from Israel. The fence, mangled from an earlier explosion, serves as an entry point for the group.
The video is a testament to the first public revelation of Hamas tunnels in Gaza that were allegedly utilized during the attack. As the militants traverse underground passages, the camera captures a larger room serving as a junction to narrower tunnels. The dimly lit space, illuminated only by flashlights, reveals supplies strewn across the floor, along with barrels and ominous graffiti on the walls proclaiming, “What’s hidden is far worse.”
The group’s journey continues, crossing the second security fence less than two minutes later, officially entering Israeli territory. The militants, armed with rifles and rocket-propelled grenades, race towards a kibbutz through dirt roads, weaving between plowed fields on motorbikes.
Seventeen minutes into the video, near the Israeli town of Kissufim, the first shots are fired across an open field with Israeli buildings in the distance. The group briefly regroups, cautioning against indiscriminate shooting into the air. The tension builds as they wonder about the whereabouts of Israeli soldiers, their movement seemingly unhindered.
The turning point occurs near the town of Kissufim when the gunman with the bodycam exits the vehicle, advancing with fellow militants. The video captures the chilling moment when an Israeli soldier is shot at point-blank range, with the gunman subsequently seizing the soldier’s Tavor rifle. The celebratory atmosphere is documented as the gunman turns the camera on himself for a selfie video, expressing his devotion to the cause.
As the group advances on motorbikes through Israeli roads, the chilling reality unfolds. The joyous shouts of the militants resonate as they pass bodies strewn across the street, evidence that others had struck before them. The video aligns with earlier dashcam footage from an Israeli car escaping rocket fire at the Nova music festival, showing the moment the bodycam-wearing gunman arrives at the scene.
For 65 minutes after crossing the Gaza fence, the militants have almost unhindered access to Israeli territory, covering nearly 10 miles. The video captures their movement through towns like Ein HaShlosha and Kisufim, emphasizing the lack of impediment to their progress.
The climax of the assault nears as the group approaches a military base near the kibbutz of Re’im. The bodycam-wearing gunman, now armed with the seized rifle, fires towards the base, initiating an exchange of gunfire. The ensuing chaos ends abruptly as the gunman is hit, falling to the ground. The camera captures the swift and shallow breathing as his part in the assault comes to an end.
The aftermath of the October 7 attacks unfolded over hours, leaving a lasting impact on the geopolitical landscape of the region. The IDF’s decision to release the footage sheds light on the grim reality of the assault, showcasing the challenges faced by Israeli forces and the audacious nature of Hamas’ tactics.
The use of underground tunnels, the seamless coordination of the assault, and the chilling calmness of the militants underscore the complex and dangerous dynamics in the Palestinian territories. The video serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions and the strategic challenges faced by both Hamas and the IDF in this volatile region.
As the world watches, the October 7 attack raises questions about the broader implications for regional dynamics and the ongoing struggle for control and stability in the Middle East. The release of the bodycam footage provides a unique perspective on the reality of the attack, offering insights into the planning, execution, and aftermath of a meticulously orchestrated act of terror that shook the foundations of the Israeli security apparatus.
By: M Z Hossain, Editor Sky Buzz Feed
