The Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center released on Sunday a captured Hamas document seized in the Gaza Strip during ground operations in the war. "During persuasive dialogue or in an effort to recruit support – it is correct to base on shared values and avoid mixing sensitive points," or "it is not appropriate to use stereotypical expressions like 'the Jewish conspiracy,'" the booklet stated.

The document is a training booklet titled "Guide for the Palestinian Spokesman in the World" from 2022, which instructs the terror organization's spokesmen to avoid using antisemitic expressions so these will not harm persuasion attempts in Western countries. The document was presented as part of research by Dr. Uri Roost from the Meir Amit Intelligence and Terrorism Information Center.

"Islamic religious references"

For example, page 7 of the booklet stated: "During persuasive dialogue or in an effort to recruit solidarity and support, it is correct to base on shared values and avoid mixing sensitive points among the target audience. It is not appropriate to incorporate Islamic religious references when addressing an audience that is not mostly Muslim. Similarly, one must be aware of the great sensitivity and heavy burden accompanying certain concepts in the Western world, such as references to Nazi practices and 'the Holocaust'" (quotation marks in the original Hamas source).

The booklet further stated that "one must avoid incorrect or stereotypical use of terms such as the label 'the Jews' or 'the Jewish lobby,' since our defined problem is with the colonial forces and their supporters. It is important to avoid using expressions with sharp negative connotations in persuasive discourse, such as 'conspiracy' and it is not appropriate to use stereotypical expressions like 'the Jewish conspiracy.'"

"Use of fabricated or offensive texts, such as 'The Protocols of the Elders of Zion,' harms Palestinian discourse, presents it as racist and extremist, and gives it a weak image that does not match the justice and clarity of the issue."

"Legacy of Jewish hatred"

The booklet was presented in research dealing with the antisemitic doctrine of Mahmoud al-Zahar, from the founding generation of Hamas, who is considered the "expert on Jewish affairs." Among other things, his book "Jewish Hatred – Historical Heritage" (2020) was mentioned, copies of which were found by IDF forces during the maneuver. The book summarized the main points of his antisemitic doctrine.

Among other things, he described the Jews as "a contemptible, lowly, greedy, immoral and cruel people, corrupt and treacherous," while using blood libels and conspiracies based on "The Protocols of the Elders of Zion." Al-Zahar also justified the Holocaust despite claiming that a close relationship existed between Nazi Germany and "the Zionists" that stemmed from "identity of interests."

The book "Jewish Hatred – Historical Heritage" describes the enmity of the world's peoples toward the Jews throughout history, with few references to their status in the Arab world. In this context, al-Zahar claims that the hatred stems from the fact that "the Jews are lowly people" and from their "economic corruption."

As stated, Hamas is aware that antisemitism causes damage in the international arena and therefore tries to conceal its positions. However, the research author emphasized that al-Zahar's antisemitic doctrine, which was presented only in Arabic, constitutes authentic evidence of the antisemitic views prevalent in Hamas leadership. It was further noted that this antisemitic perception, which emphasized the dehumanization of the Jews, inspired the horrific displays of cruelty that accompanied the October 7 massacre.

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The group, which published materials from the phone of Tzachi Braverman, a close associate of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday morning, has become one of the most prominent players in cyber attacks against Israel in recent months.

According to Franco, "Most of its mission is to damage public trust, create a sense of penetration, and amplify media resonance, sometimes by inflating achievements." However, he emphasizes that "its activity sometimes integrates into a broader campaign, including ideological and sometimes infrastructural overlap with state actors or regional proxies."

According to reports from intelligence agencies and cybersecurity companies, the group is affiliated with an Iranian unit connected to the Ministry of Intelligence and specializes in cyberattacks for influence operations. Its name is derived from the comic character of the same name that has become a Palestinian symbol representing the Palestinian "refugee" issue. The group calls itself "The Popular Resistance Front of People Seeking Justice" and has been active since at least December 2023, about two months after the outbreak of the Iron Swords war.

From Bennett to nuclear scientists

Handala's target list includes senior politicians, security officials, and Israeli civilians. About 10 days ago, the group claimed it had breached former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's Telegram account and published personal correspondence, contact lists, and photos. Bennett eventually admitted that "access to the Telegram account was obtained," but emphasized that the phone device itself was not breached.

About three weeks ago, the group published documentation of a red flower bouquet that, according to its claim, was left in the vehicle of a senior Israeli nuclear scientist. "Yesterday, you received our flower bouquet. It's an apparently harmless object, but did you notice its weight?" the threatening message read. Alongside the documentation, a list of names and phone numbers was published that allegedly belongs to members of Unit 8200.

In addition, Handala published the names and detailed profiles of 14 individuals who, according to the group, serve as key figures in planning and developing drone systems in the IDF and defense industries, and attached a monetary "reward" of $30,000 to each.

The group's activity focuses on attacks against Israeli companies, government offices, and public bodies. Among the prominent cases: the leak of details on many Israelis carrying licensed weapons in early February 2025, and the claim in September 2024 of a breach of servers related to the Nahal Sorek nuclear facility, in which the hackers claimed they had obtained approximately 197 gigabytes of data.

Clear Iranian affiliation

According to a position paper by the Jerusalem Institute for Strategy and Security, the Handala group is affiliated with an Iranian unit connected to the Ministry of Intelligence. The cybersecurity company Cyberint pointed to a post from December 2023 in which Handala expressed support for Hamas and wrote that it began operating against Israel after the assassination of Revolutionary Guards commander Mousavi.

In 2024, Microsoft published reports unequivocally attributing the group to the Iranian attack group Storm-0842, which is connected to the Iranian Ministry of Intelligence and also responsible for activity under the identities "DarkBit" and "Homeland Justice."

Exploitation of human weaknesses

"Its main operation relies on unsecured breaches, information leaks, and targeted dissemination of materials on social networks," Franco explains. According to him, Handala is characterized by a low to medium level of technological sophistication, but by intensive activity and high focus on creating public and media effect.

Franco emphasizes: "The threat is not measured only by the direct technological damage, but by the ability to exploit human and organizational weaknesses, and to turn isolated cyber incidents into a tool in an ongoing consciousness war against Israel."

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