Israeli Forces Capture Senior Hamas Security Official in Gaza

The Shin Bet and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday captured Mua'in Al-Arabeed, a senior official in Hamas's internal security apparatus, in western Gaza City. Al-Arabeed is considered a high-value target with extensive knowledge of the organization's operations. The Shin Bet had located him in recent weeks and considered an airstrike, but ultimately decided to capture him for interrogation in Israel.

The operation, planned for months and approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, was managed from the Shin Bet's special operations control room. Palestinian militias, including elements from the Abu Shabab militia, reportedly participated in the operation. Forces arrived at the building where Al-Arabeed and his family were located in the Al-Kutiba area, and footage circulating online shows an exchange of fire.

Al-Arabeed was wounded, captured, and transferred to Israel, where he is hospitalized in stable, conscious condition and able to communicate. Four Palestinians were killed during the operation, including Al-Arabeed's wife and son.

Al-Arabeed joined Hamas in the 1990s and was recently involved in the organization's rehabilitation efforts. He was considered a key figure working to prevent Hamas's disarmament and also held Hamas's "militias portfolio," responsible for managing local militias operating in coordination with Israel.