By Ehud Amiton • September 1, 2026
Jerusalem, 1 September, 2026 (TPS-IL) — A senior Hamas security official was arrested Tuesday in a Gaza operation by Israeli security forces Defense Minister Israel Katz confirmed.
According to Gaza reports, an Israeli special force entered the Shati refugee camp area with vehicles before Hamas operatives detected it, triggering an exchange of fire. Ground and air forces were deployed to assist the troops, while Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck targets in the Gaza Strip “with the aim of removing threats to the security forces,” the Israel Defense Forces said.
No Israeli casualties were reported.
Katz confirmed the arrest during a visit to the Gaza border community of Netiv Ha’esra.
“This is our policy: we do not wait for threats, but pursue Hamas terrorists, thwart them and destroy their terror infrastructures,” Katz said. “The response to any launch from Gaza will be powerful and clear. The test will not be their launches but our response — and it will be difficult.”
Katz said Israel would maintain its military presence in Gaza until its stated security objectives are met.
“We are not moving from Gaza until the Strip is demilitarized, Hamas is disarmed and all terror tunnels are destroyed,” he said. “And even after that, the IDF will remain in Gaza on defense lines and ensure the security of the western Negev communities.”
