Israeli Forces Bomb Vehicle After Hamas Commander's Capture

New details have emerged regarding the Israeli special forces operation that led to the capture of Moin Al-A'arbid, the commander of Hamas's internal security apparatus. According to Arab media reports citing sources in Gaza, the Israeli forces operated in the area for at least two days prior to the operation. One source told Asharq Al-Awsat that a vehicle left behind by the Israeli forces, which was destroyed by missiles, was likely used for reconnaissance and had been present for at least two days before the raid.

During the operation, one group of Israeli forces breached the villa where Al-A'arbid and his family were located, while another provided security. Sources reported that two of Al-A'arbid's sons and two bodyguards were seriously injured, and Al-A'arbid himself sustained injuries. His wife was killed in the exchange of fire. Eyewitnesses stated that the Israeli forces withdrew under aerial cover, using vehicles and motorcycles, and escaped via the coastal road and an unidentified route.

A Hamas source indicated that an investigation is ongoing, particularly due to the area's extensive security cameras, which are expected to reveal further details. Al-A'arbid was reportedly preparing for his son's wedding when the attack occurred. He had previously survived an assassination attempt in June and narrowly escaped capture at Shifa Hospital in March 2024.

Sources within Hamas suggest Al-A'arbid was responsible for significant security matters, including pursuing individuals associated with groups like ISIS and overseeing the arrest of alleged collaborators with Israel, particularly after the discovery of an Israeli special forces unit in 2018. He was also involved in monitoring militias that emerged during the recent conflict.