Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced that special forces captured the head of Hamas's internal security service in a Gaza City operation on Tuesday, though Israeli air strikes during the raid resulted in at least four Palestinian deaths, including children.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday that special forces had captured the head of Hamas's internal security service during a ground operation in Gaza City. According to Netanyahu, the unnamed individual was involved in "attempts to restore Hamas's governance in Gaza and in deception concerning the demilitarisation of the Strip." Israel's military and Shin Bet security service said the arrest took place and the individual was subsequently transferred to Israel for interrogation.
The operation resulted in significant casualties. Medical personnel reported that at least four Palestinians were killed during Israeli air strikes accompanying the raid, including two children and a woman. The strikes targeted the densely populated Katiba area of western Gaza City, where witnesses described intense bombardment. Local resident Wafika al-Helou recounted experiencing sustained gunfire lasting over 15 minutes, describing it as "terrifying." Another witness, Mutaz Abu Asr, reported approximately five to six strikes occurring within three minutes.
Hamas issued a formal condemnation of the operation, characterizing it as a "grave crime" and a violation of the ceasefire agreement. Eyewitness accounts documented the destruction, with videos showing damaged vehicles and chaotic scenes throughout the targeted area.