Yahya Sinwar allegedly issued warnings prior to October 7 attacks

Reports have emerged regarding potential warnings issued to Israel prior to the October 7, 2023, attacks. According to accounts from journalist Shlomi Eldar and former Palestinian Authority minister Sufian Abu Zaida, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar allegedly warned an intermediary in September 2023 of a forthcoming “earthquake” or “big surprise” if negotiations regarding captives and prisoners did not progress.

Following these communications, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed reportedly contacted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. While the message reportedly reached the Israeli Security Agency (Shin Bet) by mid-September, senior defense officials held a security assessment shortly thereafter without reaching decisive action. Israeli officials, including Netanyahu and Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer, have issued categorical denials regarding the receipt or impact of such warnings.