Sinwar sent a secret message to Israel before October 7 - assessment

Former Palestinian minister Sufyan Abu-Zayda announced his intention to publish the contents of a message that, according to him, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar instructed to convey to Israel shortly before the attack of October 7, 2023. According to an investigation, in September 2023, Sinwar met twice with Abu-Zayda and warned of preparations for a "huge surprise" and an "earthquake." The information was passed to Shin Bet on September 15.

Former Palestinian minister Sufyan Abu-Zayda announced his intention to publish the contents of a message that, according to him, Hamas terrorist leader Yahya Sinwar instructed to convey to Israel shortly before the attack of October 7, 2023. This was reported by Channel 13. According to an investigation, in September 2023, Sinwar met twice with Sufyan Abu-Zayda and warned him of preparations for a "huge surprise" and an "earthquake" for Israel if negotiations on a prisoner exchange did not progress. After the first meeting, Abu-Zayda told a Palestinian acquaintance who served as an advisor to UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed. Abu-Zayda hesitated to directly contact Shin Bet but feared that after the attack he himself would be suspected of collaborating with Sinwar. On the advice of his acquaintance, Abu-Zayda met again with Sinwar, who confirmed preparations for serious actions. He then traveled to Abu Dhabi, and on September 15, the information was passed to Shin Bet. Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar reported the warning to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and two days later a meeting was held with representatives of security forces. Bar proposed considering preemptive strikes on the Gaza Strip or strengthening defenses in southern Israel.