Israel Holds Senior Hamas Operative for Two Years, Plans Trial

Avishay Greenzeit, legal analyst for i24NEWS, revealed that Israel has been detaining Basel Salahia, a senior member of Hamas's military wing, for about two years. Salahia is expected to face criminal charges in Israel. His capture followed internal conflicts within Hamas leadership in Gaza. Around five years ago, Salahia accused senior Hamas figure Marwan Issa of betrayal and clashed with Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and military chief Mohammed Deif, leading to his imprisonment by Sinwar in a Gaza jail.

During the Iron Swords conflict, an Israeli airstrike targeted the prison holding Salahia, prompting Hamas to move him to house arrest in Khan Younis. During the subsequent Israeli ground operation, IDF forces raided the building, arrested Salahia, and transferred him to Israel for interrogation. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commented on the case, emphasizing Israel's rejection of the 15-point document related to the conflict.

Salahia’s capture closes a painful chapter linked to a deadly 2011 attack in which he fired a Kornet missile at a student bus in the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council, killing 16-year-old Daniel Yiflich. The Shin Bet has not responded to the report. This arrest is seen as a significant achievement by Israeli security forces, tying back to a major terrorist attack from 15 years ago.