- Israeli security forces apprehended a senior Hamas security official during a targeted daytime operation in Gaza City on Tuesday. The detainee was later identified as Mueen Al-Arabid, describing him as the head of Hamas’s General Security apparatus and one of the group’s most senior figures in the Gaza Strip.
- According to the Israeli statement, Shin Bet special forces entered a building near Al-Arabid’s home and took him into custody. The Israeli Air Force struck several targets in the area during the raid to protect the ground forces. No Israeli casualties were reported, and Al-Arabid was transferred to Israel for questioning.
- Israeli officials accused Al-Arabid of helping conceal and transport hostages, sheltering senior Hamas figures, and working to rebuild the organization’s operational capabilities. They also alleged that he had recently sought to reestablish Hamas’s control in northern Gaza and facilitate attacks against Israeli troops stationed near the Yellow Line.
- The news of the arrest was confirmed by Israeli Defense Minister Isarel Katz, who stated, "We do not wait for threats, but pursue Hamas terrorists, thwart them and destroy their terror infrastructures"
- Katz also reiterated Israel's stance that the IDF will not leave Gaza until the Strip and Hamas are demilitarized and the tunnels are destroyed. He added, "For every hair on the head of an Israeli child that falls in the surrounding communities - we will take off the heads of the Hamas leaders in Gaza."
- Health officials in Gaza claimed that at least four people, including three children, were killed in the strikes and gunfire.
- Prime Minister Netanyahu congratulated the forces involved, calling the raid a 'bold action.' He said, 'He is one of the most senior Hamas leaders and was responsible for hiding and transporting our hostages, concealing senior Hamas figures, building up the force and attempting to restore the terrorist organization’s capabilities.'
- Netanyahu added, 'My directive is clear: The State of Israel will continue to pursue all Hamas leaders and everyone who took part in the October 7 massacre.' The IDF and Shin Bet said the operation was intended to weaken Hamas’s control in northern Gaza and disrupt planned attacks against Israeli troops and civilians.
Israeli security forces captured senior Hamas security chief Mueen Al-Arabid during a daytime raid in Gaza City on Tuesday. The operation, conducted by Shin Bet, involved entering a building near Al-Arabid’s home, with the Israeli Air Force striking nearby targets to protect ground forces. No Israeli casualties were reported, and Al-Arabid was subsequently transferred to Israel for questioning.1289
Israeli officials allege that Al-Arabid played a crucial role in concealing and transporting hostages, sheltering senior Hamas figures, and attempting to rebuild the organization’s operational capabilities. He is also accused of seeking to reestablish Hamas’s control in northern Gaza and facilitating attacks against Israeli troops.
Israeli Defense Minister Isarel Katz confirmed the arrest, stating, "We do not wait for threats, but pursue Hamas terrorists, thwart them and destroy their terror infrastructures." He emphasized that the IDF will not withdraw from Gaza until Hamas is demilitarized and its tunnels destroyed. Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the operation as a "bold action," asserting that Al-Arabid was responsible for significant threats to Israeli security.47
Health officials in Gaza reported that at least four people, including three children, were killed during the strikes and gunfire associated with the raid. The IDF and Shin Bet indicated that the operation aimed to weaken Hamas’s control in northern Gaza and disrupt planned attacks against Israeli civilians and troops.6
“Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed the arrest, vowing to pursue Hamas terrorists and reiterating that the IDF will not leave Gaza until the Strip is demilitarized. Gaza health officials claimed at least four people, including three children, were killed in the strikes and gunfire.”
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