Three days prior to the large-scale attack by Hamas that caught Israeli forces off-guard, Egypt issued a warning to Israel, as confirmed by Michael McCaul, the chairman of the U.S. House Foreign Affairs Committee. McCaul stated that Egypt had informed Israel about the potential for such an event. The details of the warning remain classified.

The attack by more than 1,500 militants, involving a coordinated land, air, and sea assault during the Jewish Sabbath, marks the deadliest incident in Israel’s 75-year history. It revealed a significant intelligence failure for Israel, given Hamas’ ability to prepare and launch such a complex operation from the closely monitored Gaza strip.

Israeli authorities reported over 1,200 casualties and more than 2,700 injuries as Hamas militants entered towns and kibbutzim, targeting residents who sought shelter in their homes or defended their communities.

In response, Israel has launched a relentless campaign against Hamas targets in Gaza, resulting in casualties among both Israeli and Palestinian civilians, soldiers, and combatants.

President Joe Biden has pledged to send more U.S. munitions and military equipment, expressing outrage at the civilian casualties. McCaul also mentioned that the attack may have been planned up to a year in advance, posing questions about how such a significant operation went unnoticed.

While there have been suggestions that Egypt provided an early warning, Cairo has not officially commented on the matter. Egyptian media with close ties to the country’s intelligence services have denied reports in the Israeli press regarding such a warning.

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