Egyptian Intelligence Chief Warned Israel of Imminent Gaza Attack Before Oct. 7

Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel secretly visited Israel on September 26, 2023, eleven days before the Hamas attack, warning that Gaza was preparing for a major offensive, according to a report by The Atlantic. Kamel reportedly landed at Ben Gurion Airport on a chartered Cessna linked to Egyptian intelligence and was transported to a secure area for a brief 67-minute stay. Sources told The Atlantic that Kamel conveyed a message that Hamas was likely planning a significant attack and suggested economic incentives for Gaza to prevent escalation. A former Israeli official quoted the warning as, "Gaza will explode in your faces." However, the report clarifies that Kamel did not provide specific details about the timing, targets, or methods of the planned attack, nor did he offer a clear picture of the large-scale assault that occurred on October 7.

This visit was exceptional, as Kamel's trips to Israel were rare. His previous known visits were in May and August 2021, where he helped mediate a ceasefire. The timing of his September visit coincided with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attending a ceremony commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Yom Kippur War, where Netanyahu spoke about strategic surprise and intelligence failures. The Prime Minister's office had previously denied receiving any direct or indirect warnings from Egypt about an impending attack following October 7.

According to The Atlantic's investigation, which involved interviews with numerous officials, most intelligence in the weeks prior to October 7 focused on rocket fire and potential escalation, not a large-scale infiltration. However, intelligence from within Gaza provided Egyptian and UAE officials with a more alarming picture, prompting them to warn Israel about Hamas's potential for a much larger operation. An Egyptian source indicated that sending the intelligence chief on such a short visit underscored the gravity of the information received.

Egypt continued to send urgent messages to Israel until October 5, just two days before the attack. These warnings, while lacking precise details, conveyed a sense of urgency. Egypt also shared its assessments with other regional players, including Saudi Arabia. The report also notes that Jordan's intelligence chief conveyed warnings about the volatile situation, particularly concerning the West Bank, to his Israeli counterparts. Additionally, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed reportedly spoke with Netanyahu after receiving intelligence suggesting Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar was planning a major attack, also recommending economic steps towards Gaza.