“The belief was that Hamas could be influenced through pressures that would reduce its motivation for war, primarily by improving living conditions in the Gaza Strip,” the report said.

The investigation looked at Israeli military strategy, battle behaviour and intelligence before, during and after October 7 when Hamas fighters stormed southern Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

The military investigation was conducted under pressure from the Israeli opposition and the public for a national inquiry into the government’s failures on the deadliest single day in modern Israeli history.

The October 7 attacks

There was also evidence of sexual violence perpetrated throughout the attacks.

The Israeli military report into October 7 said Israel had focused its intelligence and military efforts on other fronts, such as Hezbollah in Lebanon, and relied too heavily “on intelligence, barriers, and defensive measures alone”, and was thus caught by surprise.

The first phase of a ceasefire that started on January 19 is due to expire in two day’s time.