Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh's Sister Faces Court on Incitement Charges

Sabah Haniyeh, 57, the sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, appeared in court facing charges of incitement and identification with a terrorist organization. Haniyeh, who originally hails from Gaza and now resides in the Bedouin town of Tel as-Sabi in the Negev, denies the charges. Prosecutors allege that following the October 7th events, she sent messages to her brother that were considered encouraging, based on evidence gathered during her investigation.

During her court appearance, Haniyeh claimed she is illiterate, stating she never attended school in Gaza and "does not know how to read or write." Her defense team presented an electronic pen, suggesting she uses it to read the Quran, in an attempt to demonstrate her ability to interact with written texts despite her claims.

The case began in April 2024 when police arrested Haniyeh on suspicion of communicating with a Hamas operative, alongside suspicions of identifying with a terrorist organization and incitement. During a search of her home, authorities confiscated phones, communication devices, documents, and other materials.

Prosecutors are building their case on the seized materials and subsequent investigations, while the defense seeks to refute the accusations. The court is currently deliberating the evidence, with no final verdict reached. Haniyeh maintains her stance of illiteracy, which her defense hopes will be considered during the proceedings.