Israeli forces have captured the head of Hamas’s internal security apparatus in Gaza, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday. The operation, described by Netanyahu as daring, took place near the senior Hamas official’s residence in the Gaza Strip. The prime minister did not disclose the identity of the individual arrested.
According to a statement issued by Netanyahu’s office, the operation was conducted by Israel’s Shin Bet internal security agency in coordination with the military. Netanyahu emphasized that the detained official is among the highest-ranking leaders within Hamas’s security structure.
Details regarding the circumstances of the arrest, including the exact date and time of the operation, were not provided beyond the announcement on Tuesday. Israeli officials have not released further information about the detainee’s role or any subsequent developments.
Hamas, the Islamist militant group that controls Gaza, has not immediately responded to the report. The organization’s security leaders are central to maintaining internal order and orchestrating activities within the territory.
This arrest marks the latest in an ongoing series of Israeli operations targeting Hamas leadership figures in Gaza. Israel frequently cites security concerns and the prevention of attacks as the rationale behind such actions, while Hamas typically condemns them as violations of Palestinian sovereignty.
No casualties or broader clashes were reported in connection with the capture. The Israeli government continues to maintain a policy of targeted operations aimed at disrupting Hamas’s capabilities amid persistent tensions in the region.