Israel conducts special forces raid in Gaza City to arrest Maen al-Arabi

On September 1, 2026, an Israeli special forces operation led by the Shin Bet, supported by the Israel Defense Forces and heavy air cover, took place in the Al-Katiba area of western Gaza City. The operation resulted in the arrest and transfer of Maen al-Arabi to Israel for interrogation.

There is conflicting information regarding al-Arabi's specific role. Israel claims he is the head of Hamas's internal security service in the Gaza Strip, while the Gaza Ministry of Interior describes him as an officer within the same service. Reuters identifies him as an influential member of the movement's security apparatus.

The raid involved intense gunfire and airstrikes in a densely populated area. Witnesses reported that Israeli aircraft launched at least 12 missiles during the operation. Palestinian medical sources reported that at least four Palestinians, including two children, were killed, and others were injured. The IDF stated that air strikes were used to ‘remove threats’ to the special forces and reported no Israeli casualties.