Israeli security forces detained a senior Hamas internal security official in western Gaza City on Tuesday, capturing Muayyad Mohammed al-Arabid in an operation that had been planned over several months. Al-Arabid, considered a high-value target with extensive knowledge of the organization's operations, holds a senior position within Hamas's internal security mechanism.
According to Israel's Shin Bet security service, al-Arabid's location had been tracked in recent weeks. While an airstrike was initially considered, officials ultimately decided to capture him alive for interrogation in Israel. The operation received final approval from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz in recent days and was coordinated from the Shin Bet's special operations command center.
Reports indicate that Palestinian militia members, including individuals from the Abu Shabab militia, participated in the operation. Forces arrived at a building in the al-Katiba area where al-Arabid was staying with his family, and footage circulated on social media showed gunfire erupting at the scene.
Al-Arabid was wounded during the operation and subsequently transferred to Israel, where he is hospitalized, conscious and communicating. Four Palestinians were killed during the raid, including his wife and son.
Al-Arabid joined Hamas in the 1990s and has recently been involved in rebuilding the organization. He is considered one of the key figures working to prevent Hamas's disarmament. Additionally, he managed Hamas's "militia portfolio" and was responsible for dealing with local militias operating in coordination with Israel.
