The Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz, confirmed the capture of a senior Hamas member during operations carried out by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.
The official stated that the arrest took place "recently" and maintained that operations against the terrorist organization continue permanently, while Israel maintains its offensive to dismantle Hamas's military structure.
Although Katz did not provide details about the identity of the detainee, an Israeli security source claimed that it is the head of Hamas's internal security apparatus, a high-level position within the organization's structure.
Israel captured a senior Hamas commander
Katz made the announcement from Netiv Haasara, an Israeli community located near the Gaza border.
"A short time ago, a senior Hamas terrorist was arrested," said the minister, who emphasized that Israeli policy is to act against threats before they can materialize.
The official added that Israeli forces are pursuing Hamas members, thwarting their operations, and destroying their terrorist infrastructure.
The capture represents a new blow against Hamas's structure, particularly if it is confirmed that the detainee was in charge of the organization's internal security apparatus.
Israeli operations in Gaza continue
The announcement came as Israeli military operations continue in Gaza City, where Israeli forces are actively engaged against positions and structures linked to Hamas.
According to available reports, a Palestinian militia backed by Israel recently conducted an incursion into Gaza City with Israeli air support. The operation occurred alongside the actions of the Israel Defense Forces against the terrorist organization.
Katz highlighted that operations do not stop and that Israeli military activity continues "at all times."
The strategy announced by the minister aims to prevent Hamas from rebuilding its military and security capabilities in areas where Israeli forces are conducting operations.
A blow against Hamas's internal structure
The internal security apparatus of Hamas plays a central role in the organization's functioning, as it is linked to internal control, surveillance, and the pursuit of alleged opponents and collaborators.
For this reason, the capture of who would be its highest official would constitute a significant blow to Hamas's structure, although Israeli authorities have not yet officially released their identity or further details about the exact circumstances of their capture.
Israel maintains that the elimination of Hamas's military and infrastructure capabilities is one of the central objectives of its operations in Gaza.
Meanwhile, Israeli forces continue to operate in Gaza City and other areas of the Strip, with operations aimed at locating and neutralizing Hamas members and dismantling facilities used by the organization.
Katz insisted that Israel will maintain this policy of direct pursuit of Hamas members and stated that the country will not wait for threats to materialize to act against them.
The capture announced by the minister thus adds to the operations that Israel is carrying out to weaken the leadership and internal structures of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
