Israeli forces on Tuesday captured a senior Hamas official during an operation to remove threats in the northern Gaza Strip posed by the terror organization.
Troops from Israel’s security service, Shin Bet, launched the raid that resulted in the apprehension of Muin al-Arabid. He was identified by Israeli authorities as the head of Hamas’ internal security apparatus throughout Gaza.
“During the operation, the Israeli Air Force struck several targets in the area in order to remove threats to the forces,” officials with the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement. “No IDF injuries were reported.”
The officials said Mr. al-Arabid was working to consolidate Hamas control over the northern Gaza Strip and increase attacks on IDF personnel deployed along the buffer zone that divides the Palestinian enclave from the territory controlled by Israel.
“A short time ago, a senior Hamas terrorist was arrested, and this is our policy: We do not wait for threats. Instead, we pursue Hamas terrorists, thwart them, and destroy their terrorist infrastructure,” Israel Defense Minister Israel Katz said in a statement. “We have built a strong and unprecedented security zone in Gaza to protect residents and IDF soldiers.”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the captured Hamas official was responsible for hiding and moving hostages who were captured during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that triggered the ongoing conflict.
“He was engaged in efforts to restore Hamas’ governance in Gaza, in deception regarding the issue of demilitarizing the Strip, and assisted in carrying out terror attacks against our forces and our civilians,” Mr. Netanyahu said, according to The Times of Israel newspaper.
IDF officials said Mr. al-Arabid was handed over to security forces for further questioning in Israel. Troops will remain deployed in the area and continue to remove any threats.
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