Israel Captured Hamas Documents On Killing Of Civilians

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a brutal surprise attack on localities and military bases in Israel, in which over 1,300 people, including women, children, infants and elders, were killed and nearly 200 people were taken hostage, including 30 children and infants, some under a year old. After the Israeli military recaptured the area, field manuals and other documents belonging to the terrorists were found in multiple locations, which detailed Hamas' operational instructions to the attackers, including routes, procedures and targets. One of the manuals deals specifically with the capture and handling of hostages, reflecting the importance of this issue for Hamas. The operatives are instructed to kill and capture as many people as possible, both civilians and soldiers. Two other manuals contain operational instructions for the attacks on Kibbutz Sa'ad and Kibbutz Mefalsim. One of them specifically instructs the operatives to search elementary schools and a youth center, which indicates an intention to target children.

The manuals show that the attack was carefully planned and designed to sow as much death and destruction as possible in the targeted sites, without distinguishing between civilians and soldiers or taking any consideration of the victims' gender or age.

Other documents found in the sites of attack contain technical information on IDF weapons, forces, ranks and insignia, vehicles and sea vessels, and surveillance mechanisms, and manuals for the use of munitions available to the terrorists, such as anti-tank weapons.

The following are translations of several Arabic documents that were captured and published by the IDF Spokesperson's Unit: A document on the capture of hostages; the operation plan for the attack on Kibbutz Mefalsim; the operation plan for the attack on Kibbutz Sa'ad, and several additional documents containing technical information.

The Appendix presents pictures of all the documents.

Document Headed 'Plan For Abduction Of Hostages' Found In Vehicle In Re'im: Capture As Many People As Possible, Use Them As Human Shields, Kill All Problematic Hostages

Found in a vehicle in Re'im – where the terrorists attacked a music festival, massacred over 200 people and took dozens of hostages – the following document contains detailed instructions for capturing and handling hostages. The attackers are instructed to take hostages in multiple locations, bind and blindfold them, concentrate them in one or two places, subdue them using intimidation, threats and violence, and kill any hostage who poses a threat or causes a commotion. The document also advises the attackers to use the hostages as human shields as they start fires, plant explosives and lay ambushes, and to start killing the hostages in case of an attack.

The document also contains information on IDF gear (types of tanks and armored vehicles, surveillance mechanisms) and IDF forces, insignia and ranks.

Hostage abduction plan

Stage One:

Take hostages from multiple sites, each team in its area of operation, to be determined in advance [and indicated] on the maps.
Time to start taking hostages: when each team has completed purging its area of operation.

Stage Two:

Concentrate all hostages in one or two places (to be determined in the field).
Time to start rounding up the hostages: immediately after completion of the previous stage, after purging the attack sites.

Detention and control of hostages in the gathering place and the surrounding area:

Kill anyone who may become a threat or cause distraction or a commotion.
Induce shock by means of gunfire, stun grenades, threats, electric shocks, violence, and intimidation. In worst case scenario, kill hostage.
Bind prisoners individually or in groups; strictly enforce blindfolding.
Seal entrances and exits from the detention site and surrounding areas.
Booby trap vehicles.
Booby trap armored [devices].
[Set up] snipers.
Lay ambushes in the surrounding area.
Carry out all activities speedily.
Division of tasks (taking hostages, speaking with hostages, searches, ambushes, reserves [sic], publicity, logistics, emergency/first aid).
Use techniques to calm the hostages.

Safety:

Search the hostages.
Take their ID cards and [record] personal details.
Keep hostages away from any means to fight or commit suicide.
Bind and blindfold the hostages.
Kill problematic hostages and those who pose a threat.
Secure movement of people beyond covering windows and doors.
Fortify [positions] and constantly improve fortifications.
Gather some of the hostages along the perimeter of the area and use them as human shields [lit. "cannon fodder"], making them clearly visible.

Supplies:

Gather as much food and drink as possible.
Organize food, drink, provisions, lights and first aid.
Do not use your own supplies to feed the hostages except in an emergency.

Camouflage and concealment:

Do not disclose the number of kidnappers and their weapons.
Do not allow contact with the outside world.
Conceal the place of captivity.
Conceal the guard procedures and shifts.
Start fires in multiple places.
Cover windows and doors.
Do not disclose the number of wounded and dead [from among the kidnappers].
Display strength and do not exhibit weakness or fear.

Communication:

As much as possible, use secure communication methods.
Use local communication networks.
Refrain from wireless communication in open areas.
Use landlines to form a private communication network [among the fighters], as far as possible.
Use radio to inform the leadership of general developments.
Secure the filmed live broadcast and the audio communication between the group and the field command.

Publicity:

Live broadcast.
Send images directly using the local communication networks and the fighters' networks.
Do not waste battery and camera storage and utilize them as much as possible [for the purpose of the mission].

Negotiation:

Political negotiations [will be led by] the movement leadership and the apparatus [i.e., the Izz Al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades].
Do not engage in negotiations in the field, if possible.
Communication with the enemy is the task of the senior representative in the field, who must maintain contact with his superiors throughout the event.
In the event of communication failure, we will consider and consult [how to proceed] in light of the goal we seek to achieve.

Emergencies:

[Handling] the wounded: Designate a site for the treatment of the wounded.
[Handling] the fallen: Designate a site for their burial, mark the place of burial, and we will retrieve them when it is possible to withdraw safely.
[If] attacked by the enemy, lay ambushes and begin to kill the hostages.
Dealing with gas: Leave the site and move to an open area, threaten to kill the hostages and kill several hostages to stop the use of gas.
Hostage revolt: Use gunfire, stun grenades, death threats, violence and intimidation to induce cooperation. Kill hostages in worst case scenario.

Kibbutz Mefalsim – Plan Of Attack: Capture Civilians And Soldiers

Headed "Operation Order B14 – Northern Brigade" and dated October 2022, the document below outlines the plan for the attack on Kibbutz Mefalsim. It presents the composition of the attacking force (25 fighters riding on motorcycles); phone numbers of field and headquarters commanders; and information about the kibbutz, including the security forces guarding it (their location, number and arrival times) and various security measures in place. The attackers are instructed to capture soldiers and civilians. The document is designated "top secret" and is stamped with the logo of Hamas' military wing, the 'Izz Al-Din Al-Qassam Brigades.

Top Secret -

Mission: Kibbutz Mefalsim

Operation Order B14 (see appendix 1)

Copy 1 out of 1

Mission 2

Battalion 2

Dossier No. 2

June 15, 2023

Operation Plan Kibbutz Mefalsim – Stage A (silent)

References:

Maps and aerial photos of the target area
Videos of the target area

Combat order

Description	Details	Number	Rank	Comments
Team	Team commander	1	Member	Three will [be tasked with] breaching [fences]; one will navigate; one will carry a P.K. machinegun
	Force 1	5	Member
	Force 2	5	Member
Total		11

(Combat order in force from H hour on D day)

Command and control table (Appendix 2)

Deputy battalion commander for the mission – landline 58657 Deputy battalion commander for artillery – landline 56217
Description	Overseeing command		Field command
Description	Overseeing mission commander	Landline	Field mission commander	Landline	B14
Mission commander		58228		58655
Fence breach		58366
Task team		58377
Artillery		58388
Officer [in charge of] movement [of forces] / lookout		58260

Wireless communication between overseeing command and field command

Mission

No. of mobile phones

platoon

Mobile holder

Mobile number

Liaison (assistant)

Liaison (assistant) number

Landline number

Paltel number

B14

Battalion 2

Platoon 1 commander

Team 1 commander

Team 2 commander

Team 3 commander

0567587414

0567587415

0567587099

0567587302

Muhammad Abu Aita

0567182696

58297

A. Enemy Forces (see Appendix 3)

1) Composition

Forces and Type of Force	Order of Battle	Geographic Location
Civilians	1,000	Mefalsim
Volunteer security force	At least 20 among the residents	Mefalsim
Combat soldiers (reserves) Infantry	10 during calm times 27 during escalation

2) Reinforcements

Geographic Location	Type of Reinforcement	Area	Time for [arrival of] reinforcements (in minutes)
Nahal Oz	5-8 jeeps as initial reinforcements	Route 232	3-5
Position 16	2-3 jeeps	232	2-4
Rapid intervention Memorial	3 tanks	Third	2
Rapid intervention Nir Am	3 tanks	Third	7

3) Surveillance and firing systems impacting the mission

Type	Geographic Location / Landmark	Type of Threat	Range of Surveillance /Fire
SPEED-ER system	Nir Am	Visual detection	Extensive range
SPEED-ER system	Abu Safia [Sufa]	Visual detection	Extensive range
Radar	Nir Am	Determination of location People and vehicles	Entire eastern sector
Radar	Abu Safia	Determination of location People and vehicles	Entire eastern sector

3. Unit Missions (see appendix 4)

(1) Primary Units

Description

Mission

Platoon

If the team succeeds in engaging the kibbutz:
Advance northward to the Abu Safia [Sufa] gate and to the breach (B14).
The platoon will advance from route 49 to route 50, and from there to Global Junction near the gate to Mefalsim.
A crew must be left at Global Junction southwest of Kibbutz Mefalsim to secure the junction.
The first team will breach the wire fence and attack the kibbutz from the southwest.
The platoon will attack Kibbutz Mefalsim from the main gate and engage the volunteer security force and any [other] forces in the kibbutz and overcome them.
Soldiers and civilians should be captured and hostages should be taken for purposes of bargaining
An anti-aircraft crew will deal with hostile aircraft.

(2) Requirements of the Primary Platoon

Description	Number Required	Number Available	Needed	Comments
Number of people	25	25	0
Motorcycles	13	13	0
Wireless Communication Devices	8	8	0	3 with repeaters and 5 simplex devices
Mobile Phones	3	3	0
Camera on Mobile Phone	1	1	0

Kibbutz Sa'ad – Plan Of Attack: Inflict As Many Fatalities And Losses As Possible; Take Hostages; Search Schools And Youth Center

The document below is the detailed plan for the attack on Kibbutz Sa'ad. It too contains information about the kibbutz (e.g., the number of residents; important facilities such as the clinic, grocery store and guard booths, and security procedures in place), and details the route and tasks assigned to the various teams of terrorists. They are instructed to inflict as many fatalities as possible, capture hostages and take them to the Gaza Strip. They are also specifically instructed to search schools and a local youth center.

Plan 302

Mission: Attack and capture Kibbutz Sa'ad and take hostages

1. The Mission: The reduced 2nd reserve platoon of the 2nd reserve company of the 1^st battalion will attack Kibbutz Sa'ad on day one at zero hour in order to take control of the kibbutz, inflicting as many heavy losses as possible, using explosives and capturing hostages until additional orders are issued, in addition to securing Route 232.

2. Information about the kibbutz:

3. Number of residents: 760

4. Security Forces

Security Forces: The parties responsible for the security of the kibbutz are the military, and in particular the Northern "Gefen" Brigade and the Gaza Division. The purpose of the [volunteer] security force is to protect the residents of the kibbutz, their property and visitors to the kibbutz. The role and responsibilities of this force are mostly routine security measures and security within the kibbutz, securing the educational facilities, preparation for emergency situations, and helping to maintain bomb shelters within the kibbutz. They also serve as a liaison between the kibbutz and the responsible security agency (the military).

Important Locations in the kibbutz:

Number	Location	Description	Benefit
1	Kibbutz secretariat	Information center, liaison between elements in the kibbutz and with external elements	Significant source of information for our forces
2	Kitchen		Areas for holding hostages
3	Fortified area		Areas for holding hostages
5 [sic.]	Dental clinic	Medical facility	Medical and first aid facility for the enemy and for our forces
6	Animal feed silo		Logistical support point (food, drink, fuel, gas, etc.) for attack forces
8 [sic.]	Grocery store
9	Sayfan factory		Plastic and nylon factory
12 [sic]	Guard booth	Main gate	The soldiers stationed there must be neutralized

There are guards at the gates, main entrances, and inside the kibbutz, guarding in shifts. There are cameras and radar in and around the kibbutz area.

Mission Execution

Maneuvering plan: The reduced platoon will advance via Area 2 towards routes 55, 56 and 57 using two jeeps and 8 motorcycles, four of which will take the lead and serve as the securing force. This force will breach the kibbutz fence on the northwest side, marked on the map, after which two teams will move in. One will take over the eastern part and the other over the western part of the kibbutz. They must cause as many fatalities as possible, capture hostages (and take some of them to the Gaza Strip using various vehicles).

Unit missions

Unit

Mission

Combat team 1

Breach the target's outer fence in the designated place. Destroy the guard post at the gate of the kibbutz. Take over the kibbutz secretariat. Take over the dining hall. Gather the hostages in the dining hall and prepare to take some of them to the Gaza Strip. Take over the New Da'at school. Take control of the area assigned to the team, to set up three ambushes.

Combat team 2

Thwart any aerial threat while the forces are en route. Round up the hostages and hand them over to the first team. Search the area of the Bnei Akiva youth movement and the area of the old school. Take control of the area assigned to the team, to set up three ambushes.

Advancement procedure

Advancement setup: Convoy of four motorcycles in the lead – defense jeep – two motorcycles – defense jeep – two motorcycles [this text is accompanied by a graphic representation of the forces and their route]

Convoy length – about 125 meters

Assembly points and vehicles

Team	Assembly point	Vehicles:		Names of drivers	Media operative	Navigator
Team	Assembly point	Jeeps	Motorcycles	Names of drivers	Media operative	Navigator
First	Hamza	1	4
Second	Abed Al-Rahman	1	4
Total		2	8

Additional Documents

In addition to the plans and manuals containing operative instructions for the attack, the following documents were found, containing instructions for targeting IDF vehicles, information on explosive devices available to the terrorists, and details on IDF units and ranks:

Map marking the Northern Team's operation route (Appendix 1)

Table identifying various types of IDF vehicles (tanks, armored personnel carriers, jeeps, bulldozers, etc.) and terrorists' weapons (various explosive devices, machineguns, mortars and small arms) (Appendix 2)

Document discussing the "weak spot" of the Merkava tank, which can be used to destroy or disable the tank

Specifications for an RPG-7 antitank rocket launcher

Specifications for protection systems installed on Israeli tanks, such as the Trophy ("Windbreaker") system against anti-tank devices, and ways to overcome them (Appendix No. 3)

APPENDIX: PICTURES OF THE DOCUMENTS

Plan For The Abduction Of Hostages