The Hamas leadership before carrying out the October 7 massacre deceived Israel into a false sense of security by activating double agents as late as the eve of the invasion to feed the Shin Bet (Israel Security Service) with fake information. They also pursued secret negotiations designed to convince Israeli officials that the organisation wanted peace and economic stability, according to a study published on Wednesday by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA).&nbsp;The study reveals that a core part of Hamas’s strategy conceived in early 2022 was aimed at creating an impression that Israel’s “carrot and stick” policy, like threats to assassinate senior Hamas leaders with economic relief for Gaza, was working for them.&nbsp;Till the the evening of October 6, Israeli intelligence was duped to think that conditions in Gaza were normal. This allowed Hamas to conceal its plans while arming and concentrating its forces, the study stated, citing a senior figure in Hamas’s military wing.&nbsp;The military officer also said that the organisation had identified a major Israeli espionage network in Gaza as early as 2017 and subsequently recruited some of its members to work as double agents.&nbsp;The claims made by the study are consistent with elements of the Shin Bet’s own investigation into the October 7 intelligence failure. The investigation agency too had said that normal Hamas activity was reported before the massacre despite indications that there could be an attack.&nbsp;However, the claims that Hamas activated double agents to fool the Israeli security service has not been independently established.<h2>Hamas acknowledges using deception</h2>&nbsp;While Hamas officials have since the incident said they used deception as part of the preparations for the attack. In a late 2023 interview with Ammar Taqi, senior Hamas official Khaled Mashal admitted that, ahead of October 7, Hamas carried out strategic and tactical deception.&nbsp;“Regarding the aspect of strategic deception and the method of deception, as I mentioned, there was a general feeling that [Gaza] [under Hamas leadership] was focusing on its affairs, and wanted to bring in a certain amount of fuel, electricity and aid, meaning [Gaza] was licking its wounds and pains because of the blockade imposed on it, and after the 21 war [Hamas] did not respond to the escalation [in actions] carried out by the occupation in al-Quds and Al-Aqsa,” Mashal said, as reported by The Jerusalem Post&nbsp;

Till the the evening of October 6, Israeli intelligence was duped to think that conditions in Gaza were normal. This allowed Hamas to conceal its plans while arming and concentrating its forces, the study stated.

The Hamas leadership before carrying out the October 7 massacre deceived Israel into a false sense of security by activating double agents as late as the eve of the invasion to feed the Shin Bet (Israel Security Service) with fake information. They also pursued secret negotiations designed to convince Israeli officials that the organisation wanted peace and economic stability, according to a study published on Wednesday by the Jerusalem Center for Security and Foreign Affairs (JCFA). The study reveals that a core part of Hamas’s strategy conceived in early 2022 was aimed at creating an impression that Israel’s “carrot and stick” policy, like threats to assassinate senior Hamas leaders with economic relief for Gaza, was working for them. Till the the evening of October 6, Israeli intelligence was duped to think that conditions in Gaza were normal. This allowed Hamas to conceal its plans while arming and concentrating its forces, the study stated, citing a senior figure in Hamas’s military wing. The military officer also said that the organisation had identified a major Israeli espionage network in Gaza as early as 2017 and subsequently recruited some of its members to work as double agents. The claims made by the study are consistent with elements of the Shin Bet’s own investigation into the October 7 intelligence failure. The investigation agency too had said that normal Hamas activity was reported before the massacre despite indications that there could be an attack. However, the claims that Hamas activated double agents to fool the Israeli security service has not been independently established. Hamas acknowledges using deception While Hamas officials have since the incident said they used deception as part of the preparations for the attack. In a late 2023 interview with Ammar Taqi, senior Hamas official Khaled Mashal admitted that, ahead of October 7, Hamas carried out strategic and tactical deception. “Regarding the aspect of strategic deception and the method of deception, as I mentioned, there was a general feeling that [Gaza] [under Hamas leadership] was focusing on its affairs, and wanted to bring in a certain amount of fuel, electricity and aid, meaning [Gaza] was licking its wounds and pains because of the blockade imposed on it, and after the 21 war [Hamas] did not respond to the escalation [in actions] carried out by the occupation in al-Quds and Al-Aqsa,” Mashal said, as reported by The Jerusalem Post

Till the the evening of October 6, Israeli intelligence was duped to think that conditions in Gaza were normal. This allowed Hamas to conceal its plans while arming and concentrating its forces, the study stated.

Hamas used double agents, deceived Israel to carry out October 7 massacre

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack across border on Israel. The attack resulted in the killing of 1,221 people, according to official Israeli figures. Three years on, the photographs from that morning remain difficult to look at. They also remain difficult to forget.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a surprise attack across border on Israel. The attack resulted in the killing of 1,221 people, according to official Israeli figures. Three years on, the photographs from that morning remain difficult to look at. They also remain difficult to forget.

October 7, three years later: Haunting images that captured the horror of the Hamas attack on Israel

Israel will continue to pursue everyone involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a state ceremony commemorating the soldiers and security forces who have fallen in the three years since the Hamas invasion.&nbsp;“Everyone who was involved in the attack against us, everyone who held our hostages, is living on borrowed time.”“We will reach them, as we reached the others,” Netanyahu warned, adding that Israel is settling scores with Hamas terrorists every day.&nbsp;Netanyahu further stressed that Israel still has more missions before it — “and we intend to complete them.”&nbsp;In Lebanon, Israel will continue striking Hezbollah, said Netanyahu, adding, “and we will create a chance for peace with a country in which the overwhelming majority wants peace with us.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-drops-union-minister-hardeep-singh-puri-and-7-other-sitting-mps-from-up-rajya-sabha-poll-list-1791203054532">BJP drops Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and 7 other sitting MPs from UP Rajya Sabha poll list</a><h2>‘Will not allow Iran to threaten Israel’s existence’</h2>&nbsp;Netanyahu also vowed that Israel will not allow Iran to threaten Israel’s existence. The Iranian regime, “is the weakest that it has been since its founding,” he said.“It is fighting for its life, and in the end, it will pass from the world,” he claimed.Iran had a three-part plan to destroy Israel, he argued.“Terrorist proxies around us who were designed to bleed us; thousands of lethal missiles aimed at our territory, aimed at our cities; and most importantly, nuclear bombs that were designed to destroy our country, to erase it from the face of the earth,” he said.&nbsp;Israeli soldiers cut off Iran’s terror arms and pushed enemies back from the country’s borders to create buffer zones, the Israeli PM said.“We struck the ballistic missile stores in Iran itself. Ee hit its nuclear programme hard — scientists, sites, infrastructure,” said Netanyahu.&nbsp;<h2>‘There will be no Hamas rule in Gaza,’ says PM</h2>&nbsp;Prime Minister Netanyahu also vowed that Hamas would not govern the Gaza Strip. “In Gaza there will not be any Hamas rule,” he promised.President Isaac Herzog also warned that Israel cannot ignore internal or external signs of trouble, regardless of division within the state.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-afraid-of-death-flydubai-co-pilot-tells-probe-team-confesses-he-wanted-to-crash-jet-1791125529918">‘Not afraid of death': Flydubai co-pilot tells probe team, 'planned to crash into Tel Aviv tower, Ben Gurion'</a>&nbsp;“Over the past three years, Michal and I have tried, every single day, to listen, to learn, to honor and to remember all your loved ones,” he said, while addressing the bereaved families.“We ask to share your pain, to shed tears with you, to bow our heads in their memory and, together with all of Israel, to remember and remind ourselves of what we have lost, all of us, and what we can never bring back.”&nbsp;<h2>‘We will build a future in which Israel’s citizens live securely,’ says IDF chief</h2>&nbsp;IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said it is Israel’s “duty” to fully investigate the Hamas-led massacre of October 7, 2023 in order to ensure its lessons are learned.&nbsp;Marking three years since the deadly attack, Zamir said, “An entire nation bows its head in mourning. We remember the civilians murdered in their homes, the young people who went out to dance and never returned, those who were abducted and murdered in captivity, the male and female combat soldiers and all the soldiers who fell, the members of the security forces, and the emergency and rescue teams who rushed into the inferno and fell in battle.”&nbsp;“It is our duty to investigate and ensure that the lessons are implemented so that we may be more worthy of the trust the people have placed in us,” Zamir added.&nbsp;“We will build a future in which Israel’s citizens live securely in their homeland…. This is our duty to the fallen, our responsibility to the citizens of Israel, and our oath to future generations,” he added.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel will not allow Iran to threaten Israel’s existence. He said the Iranian regime is at its weakest since its founding. Netanyahu also stressed that Israel will continue striking Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israel will continue to pursue everyone involved in the October 7, 2023, attacks against Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said at a state ceremony commemorating the soldiers and security forces who have fallen in the three years since the Hamas invasion. “Everyone who was involved in the attack against us, everyone who held our hostages, is living on borrowed time.” “We will reach them, as we reached the others,” Netanyahu warned, adding that Israel is settling scores with Hamas terrorists every day. Netanyahu further stressed that Israel still has more missions before it — “and we intend to complete them.” In Lebanon, Israel will continue striking Hezbollah, said Netanyahu, adding, “and we will create a chance for peace with a country in which the overwhelming majority wants peace with us.” Also Read: BJP drops Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri and 7 other sitting MPs from UP Rajya Sabha poll list ‘Will not allow Iran to threaten Israel’s existence’ Netanyahu also vowed that Israel will not allow Iran to threaten Israel’s existence. The Iranian regime, “is the weakest that it has been since its founding,” he said. “It is fighting for its life, and in the end, it will pass from the world,” he claimed. Iran had a three-part plan to destroy Israel, he argued. “Terrorist proxies around us who were designed to bleed us; thousands of lethal missiles aimed at our territory, aimed at our cities; and most importantly, nuclear bombs that were designed to destroy our country, to erase it from the face of the earth,” he said. Israeli soldiers cut off Iran’s terror arms and pushed enemies back from the country’s borders to create buffer zones, the Israeli PM said. “We struck the ballistic missile stores in Iran itself. Ee hit its nuclear programme hard — scientists, sites, infrastructure,” said Netanyahu. ‘There will be no Hamas rule in Gaza,’ says PM Prime Minister Netanyahu also vowed that Hamas would not govern the Gaza Strip. “In Gaza there will not be any Hamas rule,” he promised. President Isaac Herzog also warned that Israel cannot ignore internal or external signs of trouble, regardless of division within the state. Also Read: ‘Not afraid of death': Flydubai co-pilot tells probe team, 'planned to crash into Tel Aviv tower, Ben Gurion' “Over the past three years, Michal and I have tried, every single day, to listen, to learn, to honor and to remember all your loved ones,” he said, while addressing the bereaved families. “We ask to share your pain, to shed tears with you, to bow our heads in their memory and, together with all of Israel, to remember and remind ourselves of what we have lost, all of us, and what we can never bring back.” ‘We will build a future in which Israel’s citizens live securely,’ says IDF chief IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said it is Israel’s “duty” to fully investigate the Hamas-led massacre of October 7, 2023 in order to ensure its lessons are learned. Marking three years since the deadly attack, Zamir said, “An entire nation bows its head in mourning. We remember the civilians murdered in their homes, the young people who went out to dance and never returned, those who were abducted and murdered in captivity, the male and female combat soldiers and all the soldiers who fell, the members of the security forces, and the emergency and rescue teams who rushed into the inferno and fell in battle.” “It is our duty to investigate and ensure that the lessons are implemented so that we may be more worthy of the trust the people have placed in us,” Zamir added. “We will build a future in which Israel’s citizens live securely in their homeland…. This is our duty to the fallen, our responsibility to the citizens of Israel, and our oath to future generations,” he added.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed that Israel will not allow Iran to threaten Israel’s existence. He said the Iranian regime is at its weakest since its founding. Netanyahu also stressed that Israel will continue striking Hezbollah in Lebanon.

‘We’ll settle score with everyone involved in Oct. 7 attack,’ says Netanyahu at memorial

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (Sept. 29) warned that Israel's enemies could attempt an attack ahead of the country's elections scheduled for October 27.&nbsp;Speaking during a visit to the Tel Nof air base, Netanyahu said Israel had received indications of a possible attack but did not identify who could be behind it.&nbsp;"We have indications that ahead of the elections our enemies will try to attack us. So... I am sending you a message: Don't mess with us, not now and not ever. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office.&nbsp;Netanyahu also warned that Israel would respond to any attack and could target those responsible beyond the country's borders.<h2>Opposition seeks security briefing</h2>Netanyahu's remarks prompted concern from opposition leader Yair Lapid, who contacted the prime minister's office and asked for an "urgent security update".&nbsp;"I am seeking to understand whether the threats are real, and if so, how the Prime Minister is preparing this time to ensure that the elections will take place without disruptions," Lapid wrote on X.&nbsp;Netanyahu's office later said the prime minister had "instructed his military secretary to update the opposition leader today on the latest developments".&nbsp;The warning came shortly before Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to target Hamas leaders based outside the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/no-external-party-has-any-locus-standi-india-rejects-turkish-president-erdogan-s-kashmir-remarks-at-unga-1790692921670">'No external party has any locus standi': India rejects Turkish President Erdogan's Kashmir remarks at UNGA</a><h2>Katz threatens Hamas leaders abroad</h2>Katz issued his warning after the Israeli military said it had killed a Hamas commander in northern Gaza overnight.&nbsp;"Hamas leaders abroad are also in the crosshairs. None of these despicable murderers, who played a central role in the October 7 massacre, should die peacefully in their beds," Katz said, referring to the 2023 attack that triggered the war in Gaza.&nbsp;"Once, they were spared because of a mishap -- but the next time will come, and they too will be sent to the depths of hell," he added.&nbsp;His remarks appeared to refer to an Israeli airstrike targeting a gathering of senior Hamas leaders in Qatar in September 2025.&nbsp;In recent weeks, Netanyahu and Katz have issued repeated warnings to Iran, Hezbollah and the Palestinian Authority, threatening retaliation if Israel comes under attack.Israelis are due to vote on October 27, with Netanyahu facing a tight race for another term.

Netanyahu warned that Israel's enemies could attempt an attack before the October 27 elections, while opposition leader Yair Lapid sought an urgent security briefing.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (Sept. 29) warned that Israel's enemies could attempt an attack ahead of the country's elections scheduled for October 27. Speaking during a visit to the Tel Nof air base, Netanyahu said Israel had received indications of a possible attack but did not identify who could be behind it. "We have indications that ahead of the elections our enemies will try to attack us. So... I am sending you a message: Don't mess with us, not now and not ever. Our long arm will reach you anywhere, anytime," Netanyahu said in a video released by his office. Netanyahu also warned that Israel would respond to any attack and could target those responsible beyond the country's borders. Opposition seeks security briefing Netanyahu's remarks prompted concern from opposition leader Yair Lapid, who contacted the prime minister's office and asked for an "urgent security update". "I am seeking to understand whether the threats are real, and if so, how the Prime Minister is preparing this time to ensure that the elections will take place without disruptions," Lapid wrote on X. Netanyahu's office later said the prime minister had "instructed his military secretary to update the opposition leader today on the latest developments". The warning came shortly before Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to target Hamas leaders based outside the Gaza Strip. Also Read: 'No external party has any locus standi': India rejects Turkish President Erdogan's Kashmir remarks at UNGA Katz threatens Hamas leaders abroad Katz issued his warning after the Israeli military said it had killed a Hamas commander in northern Gaza overnight. "Hamas leaders abroad are also in the crosshairs. None of these despicable murderers, who played a central role in the October 7 massacre, should die peacefully in their beds," Katz said, referring to the 2023 attack that triggered the war in Gaza. "Once, they were spared because of a mishap -- but the next time will come, and they too will be sent to the depths of hell," he added. His remarks appeared to refer to an Israeli airstrike targeting a gathering of senior Hamas leaders in Qatar in September 2025. In recent weeks, Netanyahu and Katz have issued repeated warnings to Iran, Hezbollah and the Palestinian Authority, threatening retaliation if Israel comes under attack. Israelis are due to vote on October 27, with Netanyahu facing a tight race for another term.

Netanyahu warned that Israel's enemies could attempt an attack before the October 27 elections, while opposition leader Yair Lapid sought an urgent security briefing.

'Don't mess with us': Netanyahu warns of possible attack ahead of Israel polls

Around 10 days before Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed reportedly spoke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and warned him about a major operation being planned by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.&nbsp;The information, however, allegedly did not reach Israel's security leadership and Netanyahu did not take action based on the warning, according to a Haaretz report published on Tuesday.&nbsp;The report drew on a new book, “Kidnapped: 843 Days of Abandonment,” written by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval. The authors based the book on conversations with dozens of people, including senior officials from Israel and other countries.<h3>UAE leader reportedly warned Netanyahu</h3>The report said three senior foreign officials later learned about the details of a 45-minute conversation between Netanyahu and bin Zayed, which took place in late September 2023.&nbsp;Haaretz also cited a Palestinian adviser to the Emirati president who had previously moved from Gaza to the UAE. The adviser claimed to have direct knowledge of the conversation.&nbsp;According to the adviser, bin Zayed told Netanyahu that Sinwar was preparing a major operation against Israel. He warned that the move could result in bloodshed, create instability across the region and put the Abraham Accords at risk.&nbsp;"The emir explained that, in his assessment, Sinwar was preparing for a major event," the adviser says. "He told Netanyahu that Israel should be ready. Concurrently, he recommended trying to find an economic solution for the Strip and calming the West Bank to prevent escalation," Haaretz quoted MBZ advisor on Palestine.&nbsp;The report said bin Zayed found Netanyahu's reaction unexpected. During the conversation, the Israeli prime minister reportedly appeared unconcerned and told the Emirati leader that Israel was closely monitoring developments in Gaza.&nbsp;Netanyahu reportedly said Hamas was more likely to launch an operation in the West Bank and assured bin Zayed that Israel was ready to deal with any situation.&nbsp;Hamas-led terrorists launched their cross-border attack on October 7, 2023. The assault killed 1,200 people in southern Israeli communities, most of them civilians, and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza. The attack triggered a wider conflict that spread to several parts of the Middle East.<h3>Warnings about Sinwar's plans</h3>The Haaretz report said the information available to bin Zayed originated from Sinwar. It said the Hamas leader had become frustrated in mid 2023 after negotiations over a possible Palestinian prisoner release deal with Israel failed to make progress.&nbsp;Earlier that year, Israel's Shin Bet and Hamas had opened a secret direct line for negotiations. According to the report, the talks came close to producing a major prisoner exchange agreement.The proposed deal still required approval from an Israeli ministerial committee before authorities could release the prisoners.&nbsp;Haaretz reported that Netanyahu repeatedly delayed calling the committee together. It suggested that the delay may have resulted "out of fear of reaching an agreement with Hamas, or perhaps out of fear of the reaction from his extremist partners in his new government."&nbsp;Officials from Shin Bet who were involved in the secret channel told the publication that Netanyahu had previously cited concerns that details of the talks could reach the media.&nbsp;"And so it got stuck week after week," the source said.&nbsp;As the delays continued, Sinwar reportedly issued increasingly serious warnings. In September 2023, he sent a message through an intermediary saying he was preparing a "zilzal," or earthquake.&nbsp;He later referred to his planned operation as "the mother of all surprises" and "a terrifying operation."&nbsp;The direct communication channel between Shin Bet and Hamas was also shut down around this period. According to the report, officials restored full activity on the channel in September 2024 as they tried to revive negotiations over the stalled hostage agreement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mumbai-security-scare-fake-pmo-official-detained-at-nmacc-ahead-of-pm-modi-event-gun-recovered-1788867039783">Mumbai security scare: Fake PMO official detained at NMACC ahead of PM Modi event, gun recovered</a><h3>Security officials also issued warnings</h3>The warning from Sinwar reached Shin Bet on September 15, according to the report. Then Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar briefed Netanyahu about the information.&nbsp;Two days later, senior defence officials met to discuss the situation. Bar reportedly told them that Israel was "on a collision course" and urged the government to either launch a major offensive action or strengthen defensive measures in Gaza and the West Bank before the Jewish holidays.&nbsp;The meeting ended without a decision, according to the report.&nbsp;The UAE leadership later concluded that Israel had failed to respond adequately to the information, prompting bin Zayed to contact Netanyahu himself, the report claimed.&nbsp;The report also said Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel received similar information and called Netanyahu. Kamel reportedly warned the Israeli prime minister about "something unusual, a terrifying operation" being planned by Hamas.&nbsp;Netanyahu reportedly responded that Israel remained in control of the situation in Gaza. He also said Israel was directing its attention and troop deployments towards the West Bank.According to the report, Netanyahu did not disclose either of the warning calls during another security meeting held on October 1.<h3>Netanyahu's office rejects report</h3>Netanyahu's office strongly rejected the allegations made in the report and described them as an "absolute lie."&nbsp;"Prime Minister Netanyahu didn't speak to the president of the UAE during the period in question and received no warning from him," the Prime Minister's Office said in response to Haaretz.&nbsp;The Emirati president did not respond to Haaretz's request for comment.

The UAE president reportedly warned Netanyahu about Hamas' planned attack days before October 7, but Netanyahu allegedly failed to act on the warning or alert Israeli security chiefs.

Around 10 days before Hamas launched its October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed reportedly spoke to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and warned him about a major operation being planned by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. The information, however, allegedly did not reach Israel's security leadership and Netanyahu did not take action based on the warning, according to a Haaretz report published on Tuesday. The report drew on a new book, “Kidnapped: 843 Days of Abandonment,” written by journalists Shlomi Eldar and Ruth Yuval. The authors based the book on conversations with dozens of people, including senior officials from Israel and other countries. UAE leader reportedly warned Netanyahu The report said three senior foreign officials later learned about the details of a 45-minute conversation between Netanyahu and bin Zayed, which took place in late September 2023. Haaretz also cited a Palestinian adviser to the Emirati president who had previously moved from Gaza to the UAE. The adviser claimed to have direct knowledge of the conversation. According to the adviser, bin Zayed told Netanyahu that Sinwar was preparing a major operation against Israel. He warned that the move could result in bloodshed, create instability across the region and put the Abraham Accords at risk. "The emir explained that, in his assessment, Sinwar was preparing for a major event," the adviser says. "He told Netanyahu that Israel should be ready. Concurrently, he recommended trying to find an economic solution for the Strip and calming the West Bank to prevent escalation," Haaretz quoted MBZ advisor on Palestine. The report said bin Zayed found Netanyahu's reaction unexpected. During the conversation, the Israeli prime minister reportedly appeared unconcerned and told the Emirati leader that Israel was closely monitoring developments in Gaza. Netanyahu reportedly said Hamas was more likely to launch an operation in the West Bank and assured bin Zayed that Israel was ready to deal with any situation. Hamas-led terrorists launched their cross-border attack on October 7, 2023. The assault killed 1,200 people in southern Israeli communities, most of them civilians, and resulted in 251 hostages being taken to Gaza. The attack triggered a wider conflict that spread to several parts of the Middle East. Warnings about Sinwar's plans The Haaretz report said the information available to bin Zayed originated from Sinwar. It said the Hamas leader had become frustrated in mid 2023 after negotiations over a possible Palestinian prisoner release deal with Israel failed to make progress. Earlier that year, Israel's Shin Bet and Hamas had opened a secret direct line for negotiations. According to the report, the talks came close to producing a major prisoner exchange agreement. The proposed deal still required approval from an Israeli ministerial committee before authorities could release the prisoners. Haaretz reported that Netanyahu repeatedly delayed calling the committee together. It suggested that the delay may have resulted "out of fear of reaching an agreement with Hamas, or perhaps out of fear of the reaction from his extremist partners in his new government." Officials from Shin Bet who were involved in the secret channel told the publication that Netanyahu had previously cited concerns that details of the talks could reach the media. "And so it got stuck week after week," the source said. As the delays continued, Sinwar reportedly issued increasingly serious warnings. In September 2023, he sent a message through an intermediary saying he was preparing a "zilzal," or earthquake. He later referred to his planned operation as "the mother of all surprises" and "a terrifying operation." The direct communication channel between Shin Bet and Hamas was also shut down around this period. According to the report, officials restored full activity on the channel in September 2024 as they tried to revive negotiations over the stalled hostage agreement. Also Read: Mumbai security scare: Fake PMO official detained at NMACC ahead of PM Modi event, gun recovered Security officials also issued warnings The warning from Sinwar reached Shin Bet on September 15, according to the report. Then Shin Bet chief Ronen Bar briefed Netanyahu about the information. Two days later, senior defence officials met to discuss the situation. Bar reportedly told them that Israel was "on a collision course" and urged the government to either launch a major offensive action or strengthen defensive measures in Gaza and the West Bank before the Jewish holidays. The meeting ended without a decision, according to the report. The UAE leadership later concluded that Israel had failed to respond adequately to the information, prompting bin Zayed to contact Netanyahu himself, the report claimed. The report also said Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel received similar information and called Netanyahu. Kamel reportedly warned the Israeli prime minister about "something unusual, a terrifying operation" being planned by Hamas. Netanyahu reportedly responded that Israel remained in control of the situation in Gaza. He also said Israel was directing its attention and troop deployments towards the West Bank. According to the report, Netanyahu did not disclose either of the warning calls during another security meeting held on October 1. Netanyahu's office rejects report Netanyahu's office strongly rejected the allegations made in the report and described them as an "absolute lie." "Prime Minister Netanyahu didn't speak to the president of the UAE during the period in question and received no warning from him," the Prime Minister's Office said in response to Haaretz. The Emirati president did not respond to Haaretz's request for comment.

The UAE president reportedly warned Netanyahu about Hamas' planned attack days before October 7, but Netanyahu allegedly failed to act on the warning or alert Israeli security chiefs.

UAE warned Netanyahu of Hamas operation days before October 7 attack: Report

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went into Gaza with the explicit intention of destroying and disarming Hamas, the main perpetrator of the October 7 terror attack on Israel in 2023. As the attack and subsequent war enter their third year, Hamas still runs the Palestinian enclave. Once backed by the Israeli prime minister, the militant group has turned into his biggest enemy. In spite of Israel pummelling Gaza with bombs and a ground invasion, and killing some of its main leaders, Hamas fighters were on full armed display during recent hostage exchanges. Why is Hamas still standing? Here are the seven reasons, collected from expert commentary, think tank analysis, and media reports.<h2>Current ground situation of Hamas</h2>Since the October 7 attack that killed around 1,200 people, Hamas indeed suffered heavy losses, having lost thousands of its fighters and top leaders like Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh. But it continues to operate, recruit, and exert influence in Gaza, with its top negotiators even escaping an air attack in Doha, Qatar. Despite Israel’s intensive military campaign, including the recent invasion of Gaza City, Hamas is neither fully disarmed nor defeated. Here are the possible reasons:<h2>Why Hamas still stands- Reason 1: Guerrilla tactics and an extensive tunnel network</h2>Israel is engaged in what is known in military terms as an asymmetric war with Hamas. Over the past decade, Hamas has fortified Gaza with underground tunnels. These tunnels, often passing under civilian infrastructure like hospitals and schools, allow movement, ambushes, and weapons storage. Attacking them directly invites global criticism of Israel, turning the conflict into a prolonged urban war of attrition. Israeli forces have had to repeatedly re-enter cleared areas, complicating efforts to eliminate Hamas while minimising civilian casualties to avoid violating international law.Also read: <a href="IDF halts Gaza offensive, negotiators brace for talks amid Trump’s push to end war">IDF halts Gaza offensive, negotiators brace for talks amid Trump’s push to end war</a><h2>Reason 2: Resilience and decentralised structure of Hamas</h2>Israel’s elimination of top Hamas leaders and many of its fighters failed to diminish its warfighting capabilities. Hamas has managed to replace fighters, almost as many as it has lost, through steady recruitment. With a decentralised leadership model, Hamas was able to regroup under mid-level commanders to continue the fighting even after its leaders were killed. Hamas' civil administration has also resumed work in some areas, while its fighters still manage to mount sporadic attacks on Israeli forces.<h2>Reason 3: Ideological commitment informed by the idea of jihad</h2>Losing lives for the Palestinian cause is accepted by many Hamas fighters as a rite of passage, inspired by a religious-nationalist ideology. This contrasts with Israeli soldiers, who are performing their duty for their nation. Many Hamas fighters reject the idea of surrender or disarmament and prefer to die on the battlefield, with the group's propaganda framing the war as a justified struggle against occupation. This has the backing of many Palestinians, who oppose the complete disarmament of Hamas and even praise the October 7 attack.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-you-re-always-so-f-ing-negative-did-trump-snap-at-netanyahu-amid-hamas-gaza-peace-talks-1759676340037">‘You’re always so f***ing negative’: Did Trump snap at Netanyahu amid Gaza peace talks?</a><h2>Reason 4: Hamas still has local Palestinian support</h2>Even as some Palestinians blame Hamas for the devastation and humanitarian catastrophe caused by the war in Gaza, others view its survival as resistance. In many parts of Gaza, Hamas still enjoys higher approval ratings than the Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank, the other part of the would-be state of Palestine. The endurance of Hamas has strengthened its legitimacy among supporters.<h2>Reason 5: The leverage from keeping hostages</h2>The hostage-taking on October 7 has been used by Hamas to its advantage. It managed to get Palestinian prisoners released in exchange for some hostages and their dead bodies, at an almost one-to-three proportion. Hamas still holds about 50 hostages—some dead, but mostly alive—and uses them as bargaining tools. This limits Israel’s military options amid concerns over hostage safety, even as their relatives continue to hold massive protests in Jerusalem.Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-complete-obliteration-trump-s-warning-to-hamas-if-they-don-t-accept-his-gaza-peace-plan-1759684778374">‘Complete Obliteration!’: Trump’s warning to Hamas if they don’t accept his Gaza peace plan</a><h2>Reason 6: How Israel’s hands are tied due to international pressure</h2>Israel and its leaders have faced accusations of war crimes, global condemnation, and even sanctions. This restricts Israel’s ability to act decisively against Hamas. Despite having US President Donald Trump as an ally in Washington DC, diplomatic constraints remain. Since the war began, international opinion has shifted from sympathy towards Israel to shock and concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel faces further isolation as several Western countries have recognised the state of Palestine, which is a diplomatic victory for Hamas.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-thousands-of-people-protest-demanding-end-of-war-in-gaza-1759720862453/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-thousands-of-people-protest-demanding-end-of-war-in-gaza-1759720862453/embed</a><h2>Reason 7: Israeli domestic challenges are forcing it to act carefully against Hamas</h2>Even as Netanyahu and his war cabinet push further into Gaza, internal divisions in Israel affect the offensive against Hamas. There is public fatigue, with demonstrations against Netanyahu continuing unabated since the war began. With over 1,000 soldiers killed in the conflict, Israel’s military is strained. Discontent with leadership, which is a minority government, and conflicting political pressures hinder strategic clarity.All these factors have led to a situation where, despite high casualties (Palestinian casualties are reported to be at least 24,000, but could be as high as 60,000) and prolonged fighting, Israel has not achieved its goals of eliminating Hamas or controlling Gaza.While there are hopes of a final hostage exchange, the war remains at a stalemate as it finishes its second year.

Despite intense Israeli efforts, Palestinian militant group Hamas remains active in Gaza, as two years of war have passed. From guerrilla tactics to tunnel networks, and hostage leverage to local support, here are the factors helping it



Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu went into Gaza with the explicit intention of destroying and disarming Hamas, the main perpetrator of the October 7 terror attack on Israel in 2023. As the attack and subsequent war enter their third year, Hamas still runs the Palestinian enclave. Once backed by the Israeli prime minister, the militant group has turned into his biggest enemy. In spite of Israel pummelling Gaza with bombs and a ground invasion, and killing some of its main leaders, Hamas fighters were on full armed display during recent hostage exchanges. Why is Hamas still standing? Here are the seven reasons, collected from expert commentary, think tank analysis, and media reports. Current ground situation of Hamas Since the October 7 attack that killed around 1,200 people, Hamas indeed suffered heavy losses, having lost thousands of its fighters and top leaders like Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh. But it continues to operate, recruit, and exert influence in Gaza, with its top negotiators even escaping an air attack in Doha, Qatar. Despite Israel’s intensive military campaign, including the recent invasion of Gaza City, Hamas is neither fully disarmed nor defeated. Here are the possible reasons: Why Hamas still stands- Reason 1: Guerrilla tactics and an extensive tunnel network Israel is engaged in what is known in military terms as an asymmetric war with Hamas. Over the past decade, Hamas has fortified Gaza with underground tunnels. These tunnels, often passing under civilian infrastructure like hospitals and schools, allow movement, ambushes, and weapons storage. Attacking them directly invites global criticism of Israel, turning the conflict into a prolonged urban war of attrition. Israeli forces have had to repeatedly re-enter cleared areas, complicating efforts to eliminate Hamas while minimising civilian casualties to avoid violating international law. Also read: IDF halts Gaza offensive, negotiators brace for talks amid Trump’s push to end war Reason 2: Resilience and decentralised structure of Hamas Israel’s elimination of top Hamas leaders and many of its fighters failed to diminish its warfighting capabilities. Hamas has managed to replace fighters, almost as many as it has lost, through steady recruitment. With a decentralised leadership model, Hamas was able to regroup under mid-level commanders to continue the fighting even after its leaders were killed. Hamas' civil administration has also resumed work in some areas, while its fighters still manage to mount sporadic attacks on Israeli forces. Reason 3: Ideological commitment informed by the idea of jihad Losing lives for the Palestinian cause is accepted by many Hamas fighters as a rite of passage, inspired by a religious-nationalist ideology. This contrasts with Israeli soldiers, who are performing their duty for their nation. Many Hamas fighters reject the idea of surrender or disarmament and prefer to die on the battlefield, with the group's propaganda framing the war as a justified struggle against occupation. This has the backing of many Palestinians, who oppose the complete disarmament of Hamas and even praise the October 7 attack. Also read: ‘You’re always so f***ing negative’: Did Trump snap at Netanyahu amid Gaza peace talks? Reason 4: Hamas still has local Palestinian support Even as some Palestinians blame Hamas for the devastation and humanitarian catastrophe caused by the war in Gaza, others view its survival as resistance. In many parts of Gaza, Hamas still enjoys higher approval ratings than the Palestinian Authority, which governs the West Bank, the other part of the would-be state of Palestine. The endurance of Hamas has strengthened its legitimacy among supporters. Reason 5: The leverage from keeping hostages The hostage-taking on October 7 has been used by Hamas to its advantage. It managed to get Palestinian prisoners released in exchange for some hostages and their dead bodies, at an almost one-to-three proportion. Hamas still holds about 50 hostages—some dead, but mostly alive—and uses them as bargaining tools. This limits Israel’s military options amid concerns over hostage safety, even as their relatives continue to hold massive protests in Jerusalem. Also read: ‘Complete Obliteration!’: Trump’s warning to Hamas if they don’t accept his Gaza peace plan Reason 6: How Israel’s hands are tied due to international pressure Israel and its leaders have faced accusations of war crimes, global condemnation, and even sanctions. This restricts Israel’s ability to act decisively against Hamas. Despite having US President Donald Trump as an ally in Washington DC, diplomatic constraints remain. Since the war began, international opinion has shifted from sympathy towards Israel to shock and concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. Israel faces further isolation as several Western countries have recognised the state of Palestine, which is a diplomatic victory for Hamas. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-thousands-of-people-protest-demanding-end-of-war-in-gaza-1759720862453/embed Reason 7: Israeli domestic challenges are forcing it to act carefully against Hamas Even as Netanyahu and his war cabinet push further into Gaza, internal divisions in Israel affect the offensive against Hamas. There is public fatigue, with demonstrations against Netanyahu continuing unabated since the war began. With over 1,000 soldiers killed in the conflict, Israel’s military is strained. Discontent with leadership, which is a minority government, and conflicting political pressures hinder strategic clarity. All these factors have led to a situation where, despite high casualties (Palestinian casualties are reported to be at least 24,000, but could be as high as 60,000) and prolonged fighting, Israel has not achieved its goals of eliminating Hamas or controlling Gaza. While there are hopes of a final hostage exchange, the war remains at a stalemate as it finishes its second year.

Despite intense Israeli efforts, Palestinian militant group Hamas remains active in Gaza, as two years of war have passed. From guerrilla tactics to tunnel networks, and hostage leverage to local support, here are the factors helping it&nbsp;

Bibi's monster: 7 reasons why Hamas still stands despite Israeli efforts to obliterate it from Gaza

Israel on Friday (Aug 29) released a clip from the Hamas-led October 7 assault, as it faces mounting international condemnation over its imminent offensive on Gaza City. The harrowing footage shows the attack on the Taasa family home in Netiv HaAsara, a community just north of Gaza. According to reports, it is part of a 45-minute compilation of attack videos Israel has privately shown to diplomats, world leaders, and journalists but never made public in full. In the segment released, Sabine Taasa — whose husband and eldest son were killed that day — stands beside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he introduces the clip.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-s-humanitarian-city-a-relief-zone-for-gazans-or-a-concentration-camp-for-ethnic-cleansing-explained-1752655313058">Israel's proposed 'humanitarian city': A relief zone for Gazans or a concentration camp for ethnic cleansing? Explained</a><h2>Harrowing clip from Oct 7 attack</h2>In a pre-recorded message, the Israeli PM can be heard saying, "We’ll destroy Hamas, we’ll bring our hostages home, because we remember October 7, and so should you". While Netanyahu says that the video has never been shown publicly, according to The Guardian, parts of the video had previously aired on Israel’s Channel 12 News in March 2024.Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-shows-off-long-neptune-a-domestic-missile-that-can-hit-targets-1-000-km-inside-russia-here-s-how-it-s-an-upgrade-on-r-360-neptune-1756191828542">Ukraine shows off 'Long Neptune': A domestic missile that can hit targets 1,000 km inside Russia. Here's how it's an 'upgrade' on R-360 Neptune</a>Security cameras captured the attack. The clip of the attack that was captured by security cameras begins with Gil Taasa rushing two of his sons into the family's backyard bomb shelter before a Hamas militant throws a grenade inside. Moments later, Gil's body can be seen collapsing to the ground.The two young boys, dressed only in their underwear, are then seen being moved into the blood-stained kitchen. As a gunman enters, one boy pleads in English: "Please, please, please. Let me go home! My dad! My dad!"The militant then opens the refrigerator, offering them juice or wine. When the boy says he wants his mother, the attacker grabs a bottle of Coca-Cola and walks out. The family's eldest son had already been killed earlier that morning, shot while heading to the beach with friends.You can watch it here; viewer discretion advised:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Sabine Taasa’s husband and son were murdered on Oct 7, 2023. Sabine has given permission to allow the CCTV to be shown, but only outside of Israel as it is too sensitive for some in Israel. Here she is with the Prime Minister, supporting the full onslaught against Hamas in… <a href="https://t.co/b1Ty4iykMw">pic.twitter.com/b1Ty4iykMw</a>&mdash; James J. Marlow (@James_J_Marlow) <a href="https://twitter.com/James_J_Marlow/status/1961462375762055678?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Too sensitive for Israel</h2>Israel's government has asked domestic media not to broadcast or distribute the clip, citing the Taasa family's wishes. The timing of its release is unclear. But it comes as Israel faces growing pressure over its planned push into Gaza City, just days after a UN-backed initiative declared famine in northern Gaza.&nbsp;&nbsp;

As international criticism mounts over its planned offensive on Gaza City, Israel has released a harrowing video clip from the October 7 assault. The footage, captured by security cameras, shows Hamas militants attacking the home of the Taasa family. 

Israel on Friday (Aug 29) released a clip from the Hamas-led October 7 assault, as it faces mounting international condemnation over its imminent offensive on Gaza City. The harrowing footage shows the attack on the Taasa family home in Netiv HaAsara, a community just north of Gaza. According to reports, it is part of a 45-minute compilation of attack videos Israel has privately shown to diplomats, world leaders, and journalists but never made public in full. In the segment released, Sabine Taasa — whose husband and eldest son were killed that day — stands beside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he introduces the clip. Also read | Israel's proposed 'humanitarian city': A relief zone for Gazans or a concentration camp for ethnic cleansing? Explained Harrowing clip from Oct 7 attack In a pre-recorded message, the Israeli PM can be heard saying, "We’ll destroy Hamas, we’ll bring our hostages home, because we remember October 7, and so should you". While Netanyahu says that the video has never been shown publicly, according to The Guardian, parts of the video had previously aired on Israel’s Channel 12 News in March 2024. Also read | Ukraine shows off 'Long Neptune': A domestic missile that can hit targets 1,000 km inside Russia. Here's how it's an 'upgrade' on R-360 Neptune Security cameras captured the attack. The clip of the attack that was captured by security cameras begins with Gil Taasa rushing two of his sons into the family's backyard bomb shelter before a Hamas militant throws a grenade inside. Moments later, Gil's body can be seen collapsing to the ground. The two young boys, dressed only in their underwear, are then seen being moved into the blood-stained kitchen. As a gunman enters, one boy pleads in English: "Please, please, please. Let me go home! My dad! My dad!" The militant then opens the refrigerator, offering them juice or wine. When the boy says he wants his mother, the attacker grabs a bottle of Coca-Cola and walks out. The family's eldest son had already been killed earlier that morning, shot while heading to the beach with friends. You can watch it here; viewer discretion advised:

As international criticism mounts over its planned offensive on Gaza City, Israel has released a harrowing video clip from the October 7 assault. The footage, captured by security cameras, shows Hamas militants attacking the home of the Taasa family.

'We remember October 7, and so should you': Israel releases harrowing clip from Hamas attack days after UN declares Gaza famine. Watch