Netanyahu Reveals Captured Hamas Official Led Hostage Hiding Operations

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Tuesday that a daring operation by the Shin Bet and the IDF in Gaza City resulted in the capture of Moin Al-A'rabid, head of Hamas's internal security apparatus. Netanyahu stated that Al-A'rabid was responsible for hiding and moving hostages, as well as concealing other senior Hamas officials and rebuilding the terrorist organization's capabilities. "He is one of Hamas's most senior leaders, and was responsible for hiding and transporting our hostages, for hiding Hamas leaders, and for building strength and attempting to restore the capabilities of the terrorist organization," Netanyahu said.

According to the Prime Minister, Al-A'rabid was recently involved in efforts to re-establish Hamas rule in the Gaza Strip, presenting false information about its disarmament. He also allegedly aided in advancing terror operations against IDF forces and Israeli civilians. Netanyahu emphasized that this operation is part of a broader policy to pursue Hamas leadership, stating, "My directive is clear: Israel will continue to pursue all Hamas leaders and all those who took part in the massacre Hamas carried out on Simchat Torah 5784."

The operation took place in the Al-Kati'ba area of western Gaza City and was accompanied by heavy airstrikes aimed at neutralizing threats and enabling the forces' withdrawal. The IDF spokesperson confirmed there were no Israeli casualties. Initial reports from Hamas-affiliated media claimed their operatives thwarted the operation, but later, Hamas sources acknowledged the capture of a senior officer from their internal security, attempting to downplay his significance.

Netanyahu's statements contradict Hamas's attempts to portray Al-A'rabid as a junior officer, confirming his senior role. Intelligence gathered from Al-A'rabid is expected to provide Israel with sensitive information regarding the handling of hostages, locations of senior figures, security arrangements, counter-espionage activities, and Hamas's attempts to restore its control and military strength in the Strip.

A joint statement from the IDF and Shin Bet confirmed the operation, led by the Shin Bet and Southern Command, targeted threats in northern Gaza. Special forces raided a structure in Gaza City, apprehending the head of Hamas's internal security for the entire Gaza Strip. The statement added that the detainee was involved in consolidating Hamas's control in the north and promoting terror plots against IDF forces and Israeli civilians. He has been transferred for further interrogation by Israeli security forces.