Al Jazeera has published footage showing the moments when Hamas internal security commander Muayen al-Arabid was shot, shortly before he was captured by a special Shin Bet unit.
The operation, conducted under the Southern Command, lasted several hours near Gaza City and was accompanied by targeted Israeli Air Force strikes to protect the troops. Al-Arabid was captured wounded at the end of the operation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the IDF and Shin Bet carried out the arrest “in a daring operation" near al-Arabid’s home.
“He is one of Hamas’s most senior leaders," Netanyahu said, accusing al-Arabid of concealing and moving Israeli hostages, hiding senior Hamas leaders, building up the organization’s forces and attempting to restore its capabilities.
“More recently, he was involved in efforts to restore Hamas rule in Gaza, deceiving the public regarding the demilitarization of the Strip, and assisting in terrorist attacks against our forces and civilians," Netanyahu added.