Former Palestinian minister to reveal message Sinwar wanted Israel to hear

What Happened

Former Palestinian Authority minister Sufian Abu Zaida said in a video statement on Friday that he acted as a go-between for Israel and Hamas for over a year and a half before 7 October 2023, seeking a deal for the release of Hamas-held prisoners — two Israeli civilians and the bodies of two IDF soldiers. Abu Zaida said he would reveal in the coming days, in an interview with Egyptian Al-Ghad TV, the message that Yahya Sinwar asked him to convey to the Israeli side. Hours later, Israeli journalist Shlomi Eldar identified Abu Zaida as 'Coal Eyes', the unnamed Fatah interlocutor in a prior Haaretz report; that report alleged Sinwar warned Israel of a 'zilzal' (Arabic for earthquake), that the warning reached Emirati President Mohammed bin Zayed, and that bin Zayed phoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Netanyahu has denied that any such call took place.

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The disclosure could clarify whether Israeli leadership received a specific, actionable warning of a major Hamas attack before 7 October 2023, feeding into Israeli domestic accountability debates over intelligence and political failures. It also highlights an unusual Fatah-linked channel between Hamas and Israel, with the UAE reportedly playing a relay role, and may affect narratives about pre-attack signalling and mediation.

Watch For

Abu Zaida's promised interview with Egyptian Al-Ghad TV in the coming days is the immediate event; monitor whether he specifies the message Sinwar wanted conveyed and whether it matches the Haaretz 'zilzal' warning. Also watch for responses from Netanyahu's office, Israeli officials, the UAE, and Hamas, as well as any follow-up reporting by Shlomi Eldar or Haaretz documenting the contacts.