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Israeli Special Forces and Shin Bet Capture Hamas Internal Security Head Mu’in al-Arabid in Gaza City

The Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet captured Mu’in al-Arabid, the head of Hamas’s internal security apparatus, in a bold operation in Gaza City. The raid was conducted by special forces in cooperation with a Palestinian anti-Hamas militia. During the operation, the Israeli Air Force carrieds out strikes on military targets in the area to remove threats to the forces. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Mu’in al-Arabid is one of Hamas’s most senior leaders, responsible for hiding and moving hostages, and attempting to restore the Hamas terror organization's capabilities. Defense Minister Israel Katz announced that the arrest was carried out in response to an increase in the launching of explosive kites from the Gaza Strip toward Israeli territory. While Hamas condemned the operation as a criminal act, the IDF and Shin Bet confirmed the capture and the market-based intelligence gathering that preceded it. Operatives from the Shin Bet were embedded in Gaza as aid workers, establishing relationships with local market stall-owners to monitor the movements of Mu'Tun al-Arabid. The defense establishment noted that interrogation of Mu’in al-Arabid could provide critical information regarding operational plans and tactics.

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