UAE Denies Warning Netanyahu About Hamas Attack Before October 7

The United Arab Emirates has denied reports that its leadership warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about an impending Hamas attack ten days before the October 7th massacre. The UAE's Ministry of Foreign Affairs initially issued a reserved statement, emphasizing open communication channels and ongoing intelligence sharing. However, a high-ranking official close to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed later clarified to The National newspaper that security matters are never discussed informally by leaders without the involvement of intelligence chiefs and specialists. This official stressed that such sensitive topics cannot bypass standard diplomatic and intelligence mechanisms, casting doubt on the initial leak's credibility.

The controversy gained a new dimension when Sufian Abu Zayda, a prominent Palestinian politician and Fatah representative, claimed to be the secret informant. Abu Zayda stated he attempted to relay information about the planned attack, obtained from Yahya Sinwar, to Israeli leadership through Emirati intermediaries. According to Ynet, the 66-year-old Abu Zayda, who spent 12 years in Israeli prisons and is fluent in Hebrew, maintained contacts with both Israeli entities and Palestinian factions. Although his identity was not revealed in initial reports, Abu Zayda has now come forward, promising to release further sensational details soon.