In 2021, reconciliation talks between Hamas and Palestinian factions appeared to be progressing toward legislative and presidential elections for the Palestinian Authority, the first in 15 years. But at the last moment, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas canceled polls. With the political track closed, Sinwar days later turned to bloodshed to change the status quo, firing rockets on Jerusalem amid tensions between Israelis and Palestinians in the city. The ensuing 11-day conflict killed 242 Palestinians and 12 people in Israel.
Israeli airstrikes caused such damage that Israeli officials believed Sinwar would be deterred from again attacking Israelis.
But the opposite happened: Israeli officials now believe Sinwar then began planning the Oct. 7 attacks.