The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have captured the head of Hamas's general security apparatus during a raid deep within Gaza, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz announced. The commander, identified as Mu'in al-Arabid, was apprehended during an operation that involved airstrikes to cover the withdrawal of Israeli forces. No Israeli casualties were reported.
"A short time ago, a senior Hamas terrorist was arrested, and this is our policy: We do not wait for threats. Instead, we pursue Hamas terrorists, thwart them, and destroy their terrorist infrastructure," Katz stated. He added that Israel has established a strong security zone in Gaza to protect residents and IDF soldiers.
Katz asserted that approximately 70% of the Gaza Strip has been destroyed, with no residents, tunnels, or homes remaining, and that the IDF controls the territory. He reiterated that Israeli forces will not leave Gaza until the Strip is demilitarized, Hamas is disarmed, and all terrorist tunnels are destroyed. He also stated that the IDF will remain in Gaza along defensive lines to ensure the security of western Negev communities and that any attempt to bypass this security zone will be met with a harsh response.
The raid occurred weeks after the Trump administration demanded Hamas disarm and relinquish control of Gaza. Jared Kushner, a former U.S. special envoy, visited Israel last month and suggested that the IDF might receive U.S. backing to "finish the job."
Kushner told Fox News' Trey Yingst that if Hamas does not follow through on commitments, "everyone will see that they're not genuine about peace, and then Israel will have a lot more support from the U.S. and others to go and finish the job in the appropriate way." This warning followed a meeting between Kushner and Hamas representatives in Egypt, his second known meeting with the group. Kushner described the meeting as cordial, with Hamas leadership stating "all the right things," but expressed skepticism about trusting a terrorist organization that committed atrocities. He indicated that progress would depend on actions and steps taken by Hamas.
The U.S.-led "Board of Peace" proposal, which Kushner is associated with, advocates for a phased ceasefire, the demilitarization of Gaza, Israeli troop withdrawal, a Palestinian technocratic government, and international reconstruction efforts.