Before 7 Oct 2023, Israel included Hamas in discussions about increasing the number of work permits granted to Gazans to work in Israel, which kept money flowing into Gaza. This enabled food to be provided to families and gave them the ability to purchase basic products. Israeli officials thought these permits, which allow Gazans to earn higher salaries than they would in the enclave, would help preserve calm. By 2021, around 2,000-3,000 work permits were issued to Gazans. This number climbed to 10,000 a few years later, but how did Gazans show their appreciation? Those who worked inside Israel, provided intelligence to Hamas which enabled them to carry out the slaughter and kidnap of Israelis and foreign nationals on 7 Oct.