New Details Emerge on Hamas Official's Capture in Gaza

A special Israeli force reportedly stayed in the Gaza Strip for at least two days prior to the operation that captured Hamas official Moeen Al-Arbid, head of the terror group's internal security apparatus. The operation targeted a villa in Gaza City's upscale Al-Kutaba neighborhood, where Al-Arbid was staying with his family. The main headquarters of Hamas's internal security is located just a few hundred meters from the villa.

According to Arab sources cited by the Saudi newspaper "A-Sharq Al-Awsat," the Israeli unit used a pickup truck and another vehicle carrying vegetables to approach the villa. One team entered the building while another provided external security. During the raid, Al-Arbid's two sons reportedly opened fire on the soldiers, who returned fire, wounding the sons. Al-Arbid's wife was killed, and he himself was injured.

Simultaneously, aircraft reportedly attacked two vehicles in the area, possibly to thwart rescue attempts. Witnesses described the Israeli force retreating under air cover, using motorcycles to escape the scene. Hamas sources indicated that investigations into the incident are ongoing, partly due to extensive security cameras in the area, and more details are expected.

Al-Arbid, who was preparing for his son's wedding during the operation, had survived two assassination attempts during the current conflict and previously evaded capture at the Shifa complex in March 2024. For years, he managed sensitive security matters for Hamas, including dealing with suspected collaborators and combating ISIS-affiliated groups.