Israeli security forces carried out a rare ground operation inside Gaza on Tuesday, capturing one of Hamas’ most senior security officials and bringing him into Israel for interrogation.
The operation targeted Muin al-Arabid, identified as the head of Hamas’ Internal Security apparatus throughout the Gaza Strip. Special Shin Bet forces raided a building in the Gaza City area and apprehended al-Arabid, while the Israeli Air Force carried out precision strikes against several military targets in the area to eliminate threats to the forces operating on the ground.
The operation lasted several hours. Al-Arabid was ultimately captured and transferred to Israel while wounded. The IDF and Shin Bet said no Israeli forces were injured during the operation. The disclosure also clarified that Israeli security forces — rather than armed militias backed by Israel, as had previously been reported — were responsible for his capture.
According to the IDF and Shin Bet, al-Arabid had recently been working to reestablish Hamas control in northern Gaza and advance terrorist attacks against IDF troops operating along the Yellow Line. The operation was intended to remove threats, weaken Hamas’ control in the area and disrupt plans to carry out attacks against Israeli forces and civilians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the operation, describing al-Arabid as “one of Hamas’ most senior leaders.” Netanyahu said the Hamas official was responsible for concealing and moving hostages, hiding senior Hamas leaders, building up the terror organization’s forces and attempting to restore its capabilities.
Netanyahu said al-Arabid had also recently been involved in efforts to restore Hamas governance in Gaza, deceive Israel regarding the disarmament of the Strip and assist terrorist attacks targeting IDF forces and Israeli civilians.
“My directive is clear,” Netanyahu said. “The State of Israel will continue to pursue all Hamas leaders and everyone who took part in the October 7 massacre.”
Al-Arabid was transferred to Israel for further interrogation by security forces.
(YWN World Headquarters – NYC)
