Israel Says Hamas Security Chief Captured as Gaza Raid Leaves Four Dead

Israeli forces say they have captured the head of Hamas’ internal security apparatus during a covert operation in Gaza City, in one of the most significant Israeli raids since a U.S.-brokered ceasefire reduced the intensity of the conflict.

The Israeli military and Shin Bet intelligence agency said special forces captured Muein al-Arabid, identified as Hamas’ internal security chief, during an operation on Tuesday, September 1. Israeli officials said he was wounded during the operation and taken into Israeli custody.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Israel Katz confirmed the capture, with Katz describing the operation as part of Israel’s policy of pursuing Hamas figures and preventing the group from rebuilding its military and security infrastructure.

The operation unfolded in western Gaza City, where Israeli forces reportedly entered an area believed to be controlled by Hamas.

According to Palestinian officials, Hamas personnel detected the operation, prompting Israeli forces to launch a series of airstrikes and artillery attacks as the operation was brought to an end. Gaza officials said the strikes killed at least four Palestinians, including two children, and wounded several others.

Reuters reported that Al-Arabeed’s wife was killed during the operation, while some of his children were injured. Israeli forces reportedly suffered no casualties.

The exact circumstances surrounding the deaths remain disputed. Israel said its strikes were intended to protect its forces and eliminate threats during the operation, while Hamas-linked officials accused Israel of using heavy bombardment to cover the withdrawal of forces after the covert raid was detected.

Israeli authorities have accused Al-Arabeed of playing a role in Hamas’ internal security operations and of being involved in the concealment and transportation of Israeli hostages taken during the October 7, 2023 attack.

Israel has also accused him and other Hamas officials of helping the group restore its control and operational capabilities in Gaza despite the ceasefire. Those allegations have not been independently established.

Hamas has accused Israel of violating the ceasefire and continuing military operations inside the Gaza Strip. The group has also rejected Israel’s claims about its activities and the justification for continued strikes.

The raid comes despite the ceasefire that took effect in October 2025 under a U.S.-backed plan intended to end the major fighting.

Although the agreement significantly reduced the scale of the war, Israeli military operations have continued, with Israel saying they are necessary to prevent Hamas from carrying out attacks and rebuilding its capabilities.

Gaza health officials say more than 1,300 Palestinians have been killed since the ceasefire began, while Israel has reported the deaths of four soldiers in militant attacks during the same period.

The latest operation is likely to add further pressure to already fragile efforts to implement the wider peace plan, particularly over unresolved issues including Hamas’ disarmament and the extent of an Israeli military withdrawal from Gaza.

For Palestinians living in Gaza City, the raid also brought renewed violence to an area where thousands of displaced civilians remain vulnerable to military operations.