According to international media reports, including sources like The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Wall Street Journal, Hamas had initially planned the October 7, 2023, assault for the previous year, according to an NDTV report.

The attack was postponed to allow coordination with Iran and Hezbollah, focusing on bolstering military strength and securing more funding.

Documents and communications between Hamas leaders and Iranian officials exposed the group's detailed strategy, with ambitions extending beyond the deadly October 7 events.

One of the most startling revelations in the reports is that Hamas had originally plotted a 9/11-style bombing in Israel, specifically targeting Tel Aviv's Azrieli Towers.

The plan, reminiscent of the September 11, 2001, attacks in New York, aimed to topple the towers, which house offices, a shopping mall, and a central train station.

However, Hamas ultimately abandoned this and other grand schemes, like using horse-drawn carriages to transport fighters, after determining they lacked the necessary capability.

By September 2022, Hamas believed they were prepared to launch an assault, starting with attacks on Israeli military bases and expanding to civilian areas.

However, the plan was postponed again. During this period, Hamas leadership continued covert meetings with Iranian officials, strategizing for a broader regional conflict.

A critical factor in Hamas's success on October 7 was its ability to mislead Israeli intelligence.

For two years, the group created the illusion that it was focused on governing Gaza and avoiding conflict.

This deliberate deception lulled Israel into a false sense of security.

Finally, after years of planning, Hamas chose to strike on October 7, 2023, coinciding with Simhat Torah, a Jewish holiday, to take advantage of lowered military readiness.

Initially, there were discussions about launching the attack on Yom Kippur, but Simhat Torah was deemed the most opportune moment.