In a police operation carried out by the Southern District Police on Monday morning, the sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was arrested. She is suspected of maintaining connections with Hamas operatives, endorsing the terrorist group, and encouraging as well as aiding acts of terrorism within Israel.
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Police raid concludes with Haniyeh's sister arrested
(Photo: AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, Police Spokesperson's Unit)
While searching her residence in Tel Sheva, a southern Israeli Bedouin community, authorities discovered documents, digital devices, phones and other significant evidence. As per police reports, this evidence implicates her in grave security-related offenses. A large sum of money, amounting to hundreds of thousands of shekels, was also uncovered at her home.
Haniyeh's 57-year-old sister was detained for questioning and, in light of the incriminating evidence against her, she is due to be arraigned in the Be'er Sheva Magistrate Court on Monday, where prosecutors aim to extend her detention.
The operation was the result of a collective investigation by the Southern District of the Israel Police, Shin Bet, Border Police and several intelligence units.
The Southern District's head, Deputy Commissioner Amir Cohen, stressed the district's unwavering commitment to combating terrorism. "We will make full use of every available resource and tool to prevent terrorist activities and enhance the deterrence, all with the ultimate goal of safeguarding the peace and security of Israeli citizens," he said.