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Story summary
- UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of a Hamas attack in September 2023.
- Former Palestinian Authority minister Sufian Abu Zaida acted as the “Coal Eyes” intermediary relaying Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s warning.
- Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar told Sufian Abu Zaida to warn Israel of a “zilzal” (earthquake) surprise.
- Before October 7, negotiations sought to exchange four Israeli hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and lift Gaza’s blockade.
- Netanyahu asked officials to develop response plans but did not mention the Abu Zaida or UAE warning in the meeting.