Israel captures senior Hamas security chief in shocking daytime Gaza City raid

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, the statement added.

No Israeli casualties were reported. 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. "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."

The Defense Minister also mentioned the kites and balloons flying from Gaza into Israel, saying, "As the Prime Minister and I instructed the IDF: a balloon is treated like a kite, and a kite is treated like a drone"

Meanwhile, 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 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 said.

“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,” he added.

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.

The IDF said Southern Command forces remain deployed in the area under the existing agreement and will continue operating against perceived threats.