Former PA minister says Sinwar told him to warn Israel of incoming 'earthquake' before October 7

Sofian Abu Zaida, a former senior Fatah official, identified himself as "Coal Eyes," the intermediary through whom then-Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar conveyed warnings to Israel before October 7. In September 2023, Sinwar met with Abu Zaida, demanding he tell Israelis, "if they do not move forward, I am preparing a huge surprise for them," using the word "zilzal" (earthquake). Fearing direct contact with the Shin Bet, Abu Zaida relayed the message to an adviser for UAE President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, who subsequently warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Sinwar reiterated his threat in a second meeting, stating, "Send them a message that I am preparing a surprise from the land of surprises. A terrifying operation. Something unusual." Abu Zaida also noted that Israel and Hamas had been in lengthy negotiations before October 7 for a prisoner exchange deal.