Hamas Claims Israeli Operation to Capture Leader Involved Deception and Drugged Ammunition

Hamas has presented its version of the operation that led to the capture of Moin al-A'rabid, described as Hamas's "head of internal security," in the Gaza Strip. According to sources within Hamas speaking to the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, the operation involved a two-month elaborate plan, including the use of ammunition containing a sedative. Hamas claims that Israeli security agents infiltrated the area by posing as workers for an international aid organization, setting up food and drink stalls to gather intelligence on al-A'rabid's movements. They also allege that Palestinian collaborators, including women, were used to collect information on local homes and individuals.

Hamas further stated that the special forces involved in the operation were not permanently stationed in the area but made brief visits to finalize their plan. On the day of the operation, additional individuals, identified as Shin Bet agents, appeared alongside those operating the stalls. Hamas claims these agents concealed weapons within the stalls, retrieved them when the time was right, participated in the capture, and then disappeared from the area. The operation reportedly occurred on a Tuesday, resulting in al-A'rabid's capture and his transfer to Israel, wounded.

According to Hamas sources, the plan aimed to surprise al-A'rabid as he left his home with a companion. Al-A'rabid allegedly opened fire on the forces, who responded with what Hamas claims was sedative-laced ammunition. During the exchange of fire, his wife, Samaah, was killed, and two of his sons and two bodyguards were injured. Hamas claims al-A'rabid attempted to escape wounded, crawling and firing, but was subdued with a stun grenade and apprehended.

Following the capture, Palestinian reports indicated unusual airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, with heavy air cover provided during the forces' withdrawal. Al-A'rabid was responsible for Hamas's intelligence and internal security apparatus, which focuses on counter-espionage and identifying alleged collaborators with Israel. The IDF and Shin Bet confirmed the operation, stating that special forces apprehended the head of Hamas's internal security in Gaza. They added that the operation aimed to neutralize threats, disrupt Hamas's control, and thwart terror plots against Israeli forces and civilians. The arrested individual was reportedly working to consolidate Hamas's control in northern Gaza and advance terror plans against the IDF.