Israel Captures Hamas Security Chief in Gaza Operation

Israel's General Security Service (Shin Bet) successfully captured Muin al-Arabid, the head of Hamas's internal security service in Gaza, in an operation on September 1. The operation involved extensive surveillance, meticulous ground preparation, and skillful camouflage, according to details reported by the London-based Arabic newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat. Al-Arabid's service was responsible for counter-espionage and identifying Palestinian collaborators with Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that al-Arabid was also involved in managing Israeli hostages taken on October 7, 2023.

The operation began two days prior with a van, possibly for close-range surveillance, entering the villa area where al-Arabid resided. On the day of the capture, special forces arrived in a white pickup truck and a small truck disguised as a vegetable delivery vehicle. Upon arrival, the forces split into two groups: one entered al-Arabid's home, while the other provided external cover.

During the raid, al-Arabid's sons and two bodyguards engaged Israeli forces. Sources claim an Israeli operative shot and killed al-Arabid's wife at close range, while his sons and bodyguards were severely wounded. Al-Arabid himself was wounded during the capture and subsequently taken to Israel for interrogation.

To ensure a safe withdrawal, Israeli Air Force jets conducted strikes on military targets in Gaza City, isolating the operation zone. Palestinian sources cited by Asharq Al-Awsat claimed these airstrikes resulted in the deaths of two children and the destruction of the surveillance van, possibly to prevent sensitive materials from falling into Hamas hands. The IDF and Shin Bet confirmed the operation, stating it was a targeted raid to neutralize threats from Hamas and that no Israeli forces were harmed. They added that the detainee was involved in strengthening Hamas's control in northern Gaza and planning attacks against IDF units.