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Meshaal blocked major attack on Israel

Head of Hamas' Political Bureau Khaled Meshaal in July prevented a mega tunnel attack of infiltration and hostage abduction, planned by the military branch, fearing an unprecedented Israeli military reaction.
Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal speaks during an interview with Reuters in Doha October 16, 2014. Meshaal on Thursday called on Muslims to defend the al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, saying Israel was trying to seize the site, revered in Islam and Judaism and focus of a Palestinian uprising in 2000.      REUTERS/Fadi Al-Assaad (QATAR - Tags: POLITICS RELIGION) - RTR4AH1B

It happened during the first week of the war between Israel and Hamas in early July 2014. Mohammed al-Deif, head of Hamas’ military wing, wanted to carry out a contingency plan that he had devised with his subordinates. Some 30 fighters from the wing’s elite force, al-Nokhba, had been selected for the mission. They were divided into several details. One was in charge of taking control of the perimeter while a second was responsible for taking hostages. The third detail was assigned to strike at the members of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who would approach the area.

Although fairly simple, the plan was nevertheless dramatic. Had it materialized, it could have changed the course of the war. It might also have very well upended Hamas' rule in the Gaza Strip. Its trump card was to have been the element of surprise. Armed Hamas militants were to infiltrate Israel via underground tunnels near Kibbutz Kerem Shalom. Upon exiting, they were to invade the kibbutz and nearby communities, murdering residents and returning to Gaza as quickly as possible via the tunnels with as many hostages as possible. They would then enter into negotiations with Israel for the release of Hamas prisoners.

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