Story perspectives

Netanyahu says Israel was “prepared” after Sinwar warning

By Drooid · Sep 21, 2026, 2:03 PM UTC · How we work

Summary

Netanyahu Not Informed

Sufian Abu Zaida (Fatah, PLO) said he passed Yahya Sinwar’s September 2023 warning to the UAE and Israel.
Yahya Sinwar described the planned attack as a “zilzal” (“earthquake”) surprise.
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said Israel was “prepared in Gaza.”
Netanyahu did not inform IDF Chief Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, or Mossad chief David Barnea of call.

Summary

Abu Zaida Announces Swap

Abu Zaida said Israel and Hamas negotiated a hostage swap for four Israelis.
The deal would free hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and lift the Gaza blockade.
Negotiators planned to restore Gaza electricity, water and expand labor access to Israel.
Talks took place in a room where sides, including Hamas and Israeli officials, spoke Hebrew.
Chief Ronen Bar requested a call with Netanyahu after Sinwar’s “zilzal” warning from Abu Zaida.

History

Historical Context

In June 2008 Egypt brokered a six-month cease-fire between Israel and Hamas that halted rocket fire, cutting launches by about 98% and raising Gaza imports by 30 %. The truce collapsed after Israel’s 4 November 2008 tunnel raid, sparking Operation Cast Lead. Sinwar’s September 2023 warning to the UAE and Israel revives those 2008 back-channel talks as both sides consider hostage swaps and aid relief.

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Netanyahu Not Informed

Sufian Abu Zaida (Fatah, PLO) said he passed Yahya Sinwar’s September 2023 warning to the UAE and Israel.
Yahya Sinwar described the planned attack as a “zilzal” (“earthquake”) surprise.
UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who said Israel was “prepared in Gaza.”
Netanyahu did not inform IDF Chief Herzi Halevi, Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar, or Mossad chief David Barnea of call.

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