Netanyahu Confirms Capture of Hamas Internal Security Chief in Gaza

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday the dramatic capture of a senior Hamas official responsible for the organization's internal security in Gaza. The operation, described as complex and carried out with the assistance of a local militia, involved special forces who apprehended the suspect near his home in Gaza City.

Netanyahu hailed the operation, stating that the captured official was one of Hamas's most significant commanders. He was directly involved in hiding and transporting Israeli hostages taken on October 7th, and worked to restore Hamas's terror capabilities and governance in the Strip. The prime minister emphasized that Israel will continue to pursue all those involved in the October 7th massacre.

The Shin Bet security agency confirmed the operation, which was conducted in coordination with the IDF and led by the Shin Bet and the Southern Command. The forces reportedly carried out approximately 18 airstrikes to neutralize threats during the complex extraction, with no Israeli casualties reported.

According to security officials, the captured leader was recently focused on re-establishing Hamas's control in northern Gaza and advancing terror plots against Israeli forces operating near the border. He has been transferred to Israel for further interrogation.

Officials stressed that the operation aimed to neutralize threats and undermine Hamas's control in areas where it seeks to promote terror against Israeli soldiers and civilians. Southern Command forces remain deployed in the area to counter any threats.