Israeli security officials confirm detained Gaza men not linked to Oct. 7 attack

The arrests were part of a broader enforcement campaign launched about a month ago targeting violent crime and weapons offenses in the Bedouin sector.

By Pesach Benson, TPS

Israeli security officials said three Gaza men recently detained in the southern city of Rahat were not involved in Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, contradicting an earlier announcement by National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.

According to the officials, there is no evidence that the men crossed into Israel during the assault.

Instead, they entered Israel legally before the war under valid work permits and stayed after hostilities began, even after Israeli authorities revoked all entry permits for Gazan laborers.

Prior to the outbreak of fighting with Hamas, approximately 17,000 Gazans were authorized to work inside Israel.

The three detainees are believed to have been among those already present in the country when the permits were canceled.

The arrests were part of a broader enforcement campaign launched about a month ago targeting violent crime and weapons offenses in the Bedouin sector.

The operation involved multiple specialized police units and included dozens of raids on compounds linked to rival clans.

Over the course of the campaign, more than 250 suspects were detained on suspicion of illegal possession, use, or theft of weapons, as well as involvement in violent disputes.

With a population of roughly 80,000–85,000 residents, Rahat is the world’s largest recognized Bedouin city.

Around 1,200 people were killed, and 252 Israelis and foreigners were taken captive by Hamas during the October 7, 2023, attack on southern Israel.

The body of Israeli Police Master Sgt. Ran Gvili is the last remaining in Gaza.