Netanyahu vows no retreat from Gaza after 'terrifying' Israeli commando raid

In a dramatic Israeli commando raid, Hamas official Moin Al Arabeed was seized on Wednesday in Gaza's Katiba neighborhood, causing displaced families to flee their tents amid heavy gunfire and drone strikes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed during the operation that Israel would not retreat from its occupied areas in Gaza and was committed to disarming Hamas and demilitarizing the territory.

Despite US calls for a troop withdrawal, Netanyahu emphasized Israel's control of 60% of the strip and its efforts to eliminate threats posed by Hamas. The assault, which left Al Arabeed wounded and his wife and daughter killed, was described as terrifying by witnesses like Mahmoud Al Biss, who recounted the rapid gunfire and the arrival of a white bus with armed men to capture the official.

The operation, involving Israeli special forces and pro-Israeli militias, aimed to demonstrate Israel's military reach and send a message to Hamas and other Palestinian factions. Political analysts interpreted the raid as an attempt to bolster Netanyahu's image of strength ahead of the October election, while also potentially discouraging Hamas from laying down its arms as per the ceasefire deal.