Sinwar Sent Secret Warning to Israel Before Oct. 7 Attack, Report Claims

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar allegedly conveyed a secret message to Israel indicating an impending major attack shortly before the October 7, 2023, Hamas assault, according to former Palestinian minister Sufian Abu-Zaida. Abu-Zaida intends to reveal the content of this message, which Sinwar entrusted to him, as reported by Channel 13.

An investigation reveals that in September 2023, Sinwar met with Abu-Zaida twice. During these meetings, Sinwar warned of a "huge surprise" and an "earthquake" for Israel if prisoner exchange negotiations did not progress. Following the first meeting, Abu-Zaida shared the information with a Palestinian acquaintance who served as an advisor to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed.

Hesitant to contact Israel's Shin Bet directly but fearing suspicion of collaboration with Sinwar after an attack, Abu-Zaida met with Sinwar again at his acquaintance's suggestion. Sinwar reaffirmed that serious actions were being prepared. Subsequently, Abu-Zaida traveled to Abu Dhabi, and on September 15, the information was relayed to the Shin Bet.

According to the investigation, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar informed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the warning. Two days later, a meeting involving security officials took place. Bar reportedly proposed either preemptive strikes on Gaza or strengthening southern Israel's defenses.

Previously, it was reported that Yahya Sinwar's notes, discovered by the IDF in a Gaza tunnel, suggested Hamas leadership anticipated the potential consequences of the October 7 attack. Sinwar's strategy also relied on the calculation that a large-scale attack would broaden the conflict and potentially ignite a regional war.