Top Hamas Security Chief Captured in Gaza, Transferred to Israel

A senior Hamas official, reportedly the head of the organization's general security, has been captured in the Gaza Strip and transferred to Israel. The individual, who was injured during the operation, holds a position considered equivalent to that of the Shin Bet director within Hamas. The arrest followed an unusual operation in western Gaza City, where armed individuals reportedly linked to an Israel-backed militia attempted to abduct the Hamas official near the American Hospital. The perpetrators, traveling by motorcycle, were detected, leading to intense gunfire. The Israeli Air Force conducted strikes to support the militia members during the operation, with explosions audible in Israeli communities near Gaza.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz had previously announced the arrest of a "senior terrorist official from Hamas" without revealing his identity or role. Speaking from Netiv HaAssara, Katz described the operation as a demonstration of Israel's policy in Gaza. "This is our policy: we do not wait for threats, we pursue Hamas terrorists, we neutralize them, and we destroy their terrorist infrastructure," Katz stated. He further warned that "the response to any fire from Gaza will be powerful and clear," emphasizing that "the test will not be their fire, but our response, and it will be harsh."