Gaza’s Interior Ministry said Israeli special forces detained a Palestinian Internal Security officer during an operation in western Gaza City on Tuesday.
According to the ministry, Maeen Mohammed al-Arabid was injured during an exchange of fire with Israeli forces. His wife was killed, while several of his children were also wounded.
The ministry said the operation took place in the Al-Katiba area, which came under intense Israeli airstrikes involving numerous warplanes. It alleged that Israeli special forces used civilian vehicles to enter the area under the cover of the bombardment and later detained al-Arabid after he was wounded.
Several other Palestinians, including children, were reportedly killed or injured during the operation. Medical sources told Anadolu that three Palestinians were killed and more than 20 people were wounded in the strikes.
Witnesses reported that more than 16 attacks occurred within less than half an hour, accompanied by heavy gunfire and extensive activity by Israeli aircraft and drones.
Gaza government media official Ismail al-Thawabta said the Israeli unit had attempted to conduct a security operation but was discovered, after which Israeli forces provided air support. He claimed the incident resulted in Palestinian casualties as well as deaths among Israeli special forces personnel.
The Israeli military said it had attacked several targets in Gaza City in an effort to eliminate threats to its troops. It denied that any Israeli soldiers were injured. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz separately said Israeli forces had detained a senior Hamas figure, but did not provide his identity.
Al-Katiba is a densely populated area where many displaced Palestinians are living. The district contains the American Hospital, universities and commercial facilities, raising concerns about civilian safety during the military operation.
Gaza’s Health Ministry said continued Israeli violations of the ceasefire have resulted in 1,318 Palestinian deaths and 4,375 injuries, while rescue workers have recovered numerous bodies from beneath destroyed buildings.
The ministry also reported that since the beginning of the Israeli military campaign in Gaza in October 2023, approximately 73,462 Palestinians have been killed and 174,509 injured.
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