Defense Minister Confirms Hamas Official Captured in Gaza Operation

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed on Tuesday the capture of a senior Hamas official during an operation in the Gaza Strip. The confirmation followed an unusual operation earlier in the day in western Gaza City, where an operative group, reportedly working with Israel, targeted a Hamas-affiliated site. The group was exposed, leading to an exchange of fire, with the Israeli Air Force providing cover for their extraction.

Katz, speaking during a visit to Nativ HaAsara, stated, "Even as we are here, our forces' activity in Gaza continues constantly. A senior Hamas terrorist was recently apprehended, this is our policy: we do not wait for threats, but rather pursue Hamas terrorists, thwart them, and destroy their terror infrastructure."

The operation reportedly involved a militia entering western Gaza City disguised in a vegetable transport vehicle. They were exposed by Hamas operatives, triggering clashes. Arab media reported around 18 strikes in the area, with at least one fatality and several injuries, though hospital reports indicated three dead and eight wounded. The Saudi channel Al-Hadath suggested the militia's objective was to abduct a prominent figure in western Gaza.

Katz also addressed Israel's policy in Gaza, stating, "We have built a strong and unprecedented security zone in Gaza to protect residents and IDF soldiers. Nearly 70% of the Strip is cleared, without residents, without tunnels, and without houses, and the IDF controls the area." He vowed that Israel would not leave Gaza until it is demilitarized, Hamas is disarmed, and all terror tunnels are destroyed, with the IDF maintaining defensive lines afterward.

Warning against rocket fire towards Israeli communities, Katz declared, "For every hair on the head of an Israeli child that falls in the Gaza envelope communities, we will take the heads of Hamas leaders in Gaza." He emphasized that any launch would result in a severe response, including targeting those responsible and clearing neighborhoods from which attacks are launched.