Khaberni- Israeli media reports stated that the military wing of Hamas began sending encrypted messages with emojis on WhatsApp to the phones of its members just hours before the October 7, 2023 attack, using these symbols as a pre-agreed signal to mobilize elements before launching the attack.
The "Jerusalem Post" reported: "The results of an investigation conducted by the General Staff of the Israeli army, which also relied on intelligence information collected during the fighting, indicated that the extensive use of emojis was one of the many warning signs that appeared throughout the night, indicating that Hamas was preparing for a large-scale attack on Israel".
It added: "Once Hamas members received the emoji signal, they moved to mosques or specified assembly points, where they received briefings and were directed to collect necessary equipment or from previous weapons storage points which contain military and personal equipment."
The report stated: "Some agents were instructed to replace Palestinian SIM cards with Israeli ones, a step aimed at expanding the capability to map movements while disrupting Israeli intelligence tracking capabilities."
The Israeli army's investigation described numerous indicators during the night, indicating that Hamas was heading towards a large-scale attack, including uncovering rocket launch platforms, heavy vehicle movement, opening command centers, and increased cellular communications.
It pointed to what it described as an unusual development, as leaders went underground with their families, a step considered improbable during training.
It stated: "Security elements were mobilized through a signal, and they moved to the tunnels, and set out to prepare."
Military sources said "the elements who were mobilized after the signal either moved to the underground tunnel networks to prepare or went to storage sites to wear uniforms, vests, and gather weapons and other equipment".
Some bags contained folders bearing the names of operations personnel, containing operational plans, maps, technical instructions for equipment, medical guidelines for casualties, and orders, which the Israeli army stated "indicate the planning of mass killing operations".
According to the Israeli newspaper, an Israeli intelligence NCO, identified only as "V", repeatedly warned Israeli leaders through several emails months before October 7, that Hamas was preparing for a large-scale operational plan and tactical operations on the ground.
