Hamas' Planned Second Phase of Attacks in Israel Revealed: Report

Hamas militants had prepared for a "second phase" of terrorist attacks in Israel, aiming to provoke a wider conflict in the Middle East, according to a report. The militants had provisions and ammunition to last several days and had plans to attack major Israeli cities and incursion into the West Bank. The October 7 attacks by Hamas resulted in over 1,200 deaths and 240 abductions, prompting Israeli incursions into Gaza. Hamas believed the attacks were justified if they derailed talks to normalize relations between Israel and Arab nations and sparked anti-Israeli resistance. The violence has also led to clashes with Hezbollah and renewed violence in the West Bank, while the US has sent two carrier strike groups to the region to deter aggression by Iran or its allies.