Hamas Captures High-Ranking Israeli Officer Amid “Al-Aqsa Storm”

In Hamas’s “Al-Aqsa storm” raids, the Palestinian group has captured a high-ranking Israeli military official, Major General Nimrod Aloni.

Major General Nimrod Aloni was captured amidst Hamas launching 5,000 rockets into Israel from Gaza and gunmen infiltration in Israel’s southern regions as part of “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm.”

Contrasting Reports and Significance of the Claim

Images circulating on social media suggest General Aloni’s capture by Hamas militants. Contrarily, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) has refuted these claims, emphasizing that the senior officer, previously a commander of the IDF’s Gaza division and leader of “Operation Guardian of the Walls” in 2021, hasn’t been apprehended.

Saleh al-Arouri, leading Hamas’s political bureau, has added to the narrative by asserting that several senior officers of the Israeli military are now in Hamas’s custody. While Israeli military officials have acknowledged the reports, they’ve remained tight-lipped, providing minimal details.

General Aloni’s strategic position underscores the significance of these claims. He spearheads the IDF’s “Depth Corps” – primarily focusing on operations against factions like Hamas, Hezbollah, and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ).

Casualties and International Reaction

The aftermath of these confrontations, as reported by The Jerusalem Post, shows a toll of 200 Israelis. In contrast, the Palestinian health ministry has stated casualties on their side include “198 martyrs and 1,610 wounded,” attributed mainly to Israel’s counter-airstrikes in the Gaza Strip.

The international community, particularly the United States, has not remained silent. In discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Joe Biden has reiterated the U.S.’s unwavering support for Israel in these trying times. He upheld Israel’s sovereign right to self-defence and warned any faction hostile towards Israel, cautioning against exploiting the current unstable scenario.