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Former senior Fatah official Sofian Abu Zaida, known as "Coal Eyes," disclosed in a Facebook video that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar entrusted him with a warning to Israel about an impending attack prior to the October 7 massacre. The conversation took place in September 2023, weeks before the assault. Sinwar ordered Abu Zaida to communicate a dire message to Israel: "Tell the Israelis that if they do not move forward, I am preparing a huge surprise for them."

The term "zilzal," meaning earthquake, was used to raise suspicions within the intelligence community. Abu Zaida, fearing repercussions from the Shin Bet, sought advice from a former Gaza resident living in Abu Dhabi, who was an advisor to UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. After further deliberation, the decision was made to relay the message directly to the UAE leader.

During a subsequent meeting in Gaza, Sinwar inquired whether Abu Zaida had delivered the warning. When informed of the message's non-delivery, Sinwar calmly requested that they send a message stating, "I am preparing a surprise from the land of surprises. A terrifying operation. Something unusual," again emphasizing the term "zilzal."

Abu Zaida promptly departed Gaza and met with the UAE advisor. He concluded that Sinwar's intentions were serious and not mere threats. The UAE president subsequently informed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of the anticipated attack. Abu Zaida also revealed in the video that previous negotiations between Israel and Hamas aimed at securing the release of four Israeli hostages—Hadar Goldin, Oron Shaul, Avera Mengistu, and Hisham al-Sayed—in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners and the lifting of the Gaza blockade.