Israeli Authorities Detain Sister of Hamas Leader on Terrorism Suspicions
The sister of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ preeminent political leader, has been detained and taken into custody by Israeli security personnel on suspicion of “having ties to Hamas and engaging in incitement and support for terror,” the police disclosed Monday morning.
Led by Israel’s Shin Bet internal security agency, the raid—codenamed “Early Dawn”— uncovered documents, electronic devices, and other communication materials evidencing violations of national security, the authorities said.
Haniyeh’s sister, identified by Israeli media outlets as 57-year-old Zebah Abdel Salem Haniyeh, was reportedly arrested at her home in the Bedouin town of Tel Sheva in southern Israel as part of a large-scale cross-department operation involving local law enforcement, the Israel Border Police, and the Israel Defense Forces, among others.
Southern District Commander and Superintendent Amir Cohen confirmed the arrest and reiterated that every possible measure would be taken to protect Israeli citizens from terror. Haniyeh is scheduled to appear for a preliminary hearing at Beersheba Magistrate’s Court later today.
The announcement of Zebah Haniyeh’s arrest comes as efforts to negotiate a cease-fire in the war between Israel and Hamas continue to falter. On Sunday, officials revealed that Hamas leadership had not traveled to the previously scheduled talks hosted in Cairo, allegedly waiting to hear from Qatari, Egyptian, and US mediators if a new Israeli offer was on the table.
