The “Israeli” police said Monday they had arrested the sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as part of a “terror probe” in southern Israel - according to statements made to Agence France-Presse (AFP).

 

The police added that Sabah Abdel Salam Haniyeh, 57 years old, and an “Israeli” citizen, was taken into custody in the town of Tel Sheva as part of an investigation also involving the Shin Bet.

 

She is "suspected of having contact with Hamas operatives and identifying with the organization, while inciting and supporting acts of terrorism in Israel,” the police spokesperson said.

 

They further alleged that they found documents, media, telephones, and evidence in her home which links her to “serious security offenses against the State of Israel,” according to the statement.

 

Ismail Haniyeh is a senior political leader in the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and the chairman of its political bureau. He relocated from Gaza to Doha, Qatar after being succeeded by Yahya Sinwar as the leader of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.