Shin Bet Agents Posed as Aid Workers in Gaza Operation
Hamas sources revealed new details to the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat regarding the recent capture of senior operative Mu'ein Shabib in Gaza City. According to the sources, the Israeli security agency Shin Bet spent two months preparing the operation, during which agents posed as members of an international humanitarian aid organization. They established small humanitarian projects in the area, including vegetable and drink stands, operated by local Gazans who were unknowingly recruited by Shin Bet. These locals, including women, were given goods to sell by the disguised Israeli agents.
After an initial period, Shin Bet asked these Gazans to monitor the movements of individuals, including Shabib. The sources claim the Gazans only realized they had been assisting Shin Bet after the operation to capture Shabib was executed. The day before the operation, Shin Bet agents replaced the stall workers and concealed their weapons within the stalls, participating in the operation before abandoning the location. Hamas sources also stated that Shin Bet operatives surveyed the area a day or two prior, using local employees to familiarize themselves with the terrain. The Gazans involved, who were later interrogated, maintained they were unaware of the operation's true nature.
Hamas sources alleged that the Israeli special forces attempted to surprise Shabib with gunfire as he left his home with escorts. Shabib reportedly returned fire, and a tranquilizer dart was shot at him. His escorts, including two sons and his wife, also engaged Israeli forces, while a drone dropped a stun grenade towards the house. The exchange resulted in the death of Shabib's wife and serious injuries to his two sons and several escorts, who were also relatives. Interrogated injured individuals reported that Shabib tried to escape behind the house during the firefight but was intercepted by another Israeli special forces unit. He reportedly fired at them while crawling, and they responded with a stun grenade before apprehending him. One source suggested initial denials of Shabib's abduction stemmed from his son's belief he had escaped, unaware of the second Israeli unit's presence.
Further reports indicate that at least 36 Palestinians have been arrested in Gaza on suspicion of aiding the operation, with some reportedly confessing to collaborating with Israel. Shabib was identified as Hamas's head of internal security and responsible for the 'militias portfolio'.
