Israel: Senior Hamas terrorist captured in Gaza operation

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz says a senior Hamas terrorist was apprehended in Gaza City in a coordinated operation between the IDF and an anti-Hamas militia. Katz said the operation reflects Israel's policy of proactively pursuing Hamas operatives rather than waiting for threats to materialize. He said Israel has established what he called a strong and unprecedented security zone in Gaza to protect residents and troops. Katz reiterated that Israel will not withdraw from Gaza until the Strip is fully demilitarized, Hamas is disarmed, and terror tunnels are destroyed, adding that even afterward the IDF will maintain defensive lines in the territory to safeguard communities in the western Negev.