UAE president 'personally told Netanyahu' of Hamas plans for major 'event' ahead of 7 October

Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the president of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), personally informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about Hamas's plan for a major event ahead of the 7 October attacks, according to an investigation for a forthcoming book. This warning was made during a 45-minute phone call in late September 2023.

The UAE leader advised Netanyahu to be prepared and suggested finding an economic solution for the Gaza Strip and calming the West Bank to prevent escalation. The investigation, published by Haaretz, revealed that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar had informed a Fatah intermediary, Sufyan Abu Zayda, that Israel should expect an "earthquake" or "terrifying operation."

Netanyahu reportedly reassured bin Zayed that Israel was ready for any scenario and believed Hamas intended to operate in the West Bank. The revelation contradicts Netanyahu's denial of receiving such a warning. Hamas reportedly offered to release all civilian captives without demanding anything in return immediately after the attacks, but Israeli officials rejected the offer.