Jerusalem, Sept 2:
Israeli forces have captured a senior Hamas figure responsible for internal security in Gaza during a ground operation in the territory, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Tuesday, as Israeli military operations continued to claim Palestinian lives.
Netanyahu said the captured man was the head of Hamas’ internal security apparatus in Gaza. Israeli media identified him as Muein al-Arabid. The Israeli military and Shin Bet security service said the Hamas figure had recently been working to strengthen the group’s control over northern Gaza and advance attacks against Israeli troops. He was subsequently taken to Israel for questioning.
The capture took place during a ground operation in Gaza in which Palestinian health officials said four people were killed. Israeli forces also carried out airstrikes in the area, with the military saying the attacks were intended to eliminate threats to troops operating on the ground.
The operation represents another significant Israeli effort to target Hamas’ command and security structure inside Gaza. Israel has repeatedly said that dismantling Hamas’ military and governing capabilities remains a central objective of its campaign, while Hamas continues to maintain an armed presence in parts of the territory.
The latest fighting comes amid continuing humanitarian concerns in Gaza, where civilians remain caught between Israeli military operations and the activities of Hamas. The capture of a senior security figure is likely to provide Israeli intelligence agencies with an opportunity to gather information on Hamas’ internal organisation, command structure and operations in northern Gaza.
The development also underlines the continuing gap between military operations and diplomatic efforts to secure a lasting settlement. Despite repeated international calls for an end to the violence, Israeli forces continue ground and air operations while Hamas remains active in Gaza.
The latest operation is therefore likely to further complicate efforts to establish a durable ceasefire, particularly as both sides continue to pursue military objectives on the ground.