News Desk
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The United Arab Emirates on Wednesday declined to comment on reports alleging President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about a planned Hamas operation weeks before the October 7, 2023 attack.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it does not comment on such conversations between government leaders.
What did the UAE say about the Netanyahu warning report?
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement carried by state news agency WAM that the government does not comment on media reports or speculation concerning conversations between government leaders. The ministry said the UAE's engagement since October 7 has focused on reducing tensions, promoting regional stability and preventing further violence.
The ministry added that UAE and Israeli government agencies have maintained direct channels of communication since the two countries established diplomatic relations more than five years ago. Relevant intelligence had been and continued to be shared between the appropriate authorities when necessary, WAM reported.
What did the Haaretz report claim about the October 7 warning?
The statement followed a report by Israeli newspaper Haaretz, based on excerpts from a forthcoming book by its reporters, alleging that Sheikh Mohamed spoke to Netanyahu about a planned operation by Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar around a week and a half before the attack. According to Haaretz, which cited mostly unnamed sources, Netanyahu responded calmly to the alleged warning.
The report has triggered renewed criticism of Netanyahu in Israel. Opposition figures on Tuesday accused the prime minister of failing to act on warnings about the impending attack.
How has Netanyahu's office responded to the Haaretz report?
Gadi Eisenkot, a former military chief and prominent Netanyahu rival ahead of the October 27 election, said on X that Netanyahu had received numerous warnings before October 7 and accused him of ignoring them. Netanyahu's office rejected the Haaretz report, saying in a statement late Tuesday that the prime minister had received no warning from the UAE before the attack.
Hamas-led gunmen stormed into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Israel responded with a military campaign in the Gaza Strip that has devastated much of the enclave, with Gaza health authorities saying more than 73,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.
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