Israeli Court Sentences Negev Man to 24.5 Years for Aiding Enemy

The Beersheba Central Court sentenced Shahada Abu Al-Qian from the Negev to 24 and a half years in prison on Wednesday. The sentence followed his conviction, as part of a plea agreement, on charges of "aiding the enemy in wartime," "active membership in a terrorist organization," and "weapons offenses." His case has also been referred to the Israeli Minister of Interior to consider revoking his citizenship.

According to the Israeli Public Prosecution, Abu Al-Qian was convicted in December 2025 based on his confession to charges in an amended indictment. These included "theft under aggravated circumstances," "carrying and transferring weapons," and "dealing in weapons for terrorist purposes." The prosecution alleged he worked for the "Al-Qassam Brigades" in the Gaza Strip.

The prosecution claimed that in 2019, Abu Al-Qian decided to "take revenge on the State of Israel and harm its security" after an administrative demolition order was issued for his father's home. They alleged that in September of the same year, he stole an M4 assault rifle, a magazine, and a laser sight from an Israeli soldier, hiding them near his residence.

From 2021, the prosecution stated, Abu Al-Qian contacted individuals in Gaza via social media and Telegram, expressing support for the "struggle against the State of Israel" and requesting to join Hamas's military wing. He was later accused of working under the direction of the "Al-Qassam Brigades," providing his "handlers" with information and photos of Israeli military bases, train stations, government companies, and shopping centers, as well as details on military movements.

In March 2022, an individual known as "Abu Suleiman," described as a militant, allegedly contacted Abu Al-Qian to purchase weapons. Abu Al-Qian reportedly offered to sell the stolen rifle and insisted on delivering the weapons to the West Bank. In May 2022, he and his cousin allegedly transported an M4 rifle, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and five hand grenades to the West Bank, hiding them for the organization.

In the same month, the prosecution claimed Abu Al-Qian enlisted in the Israeli military on the instructions of his "handler" to gather intelligence on Bedouin soldiers and military bases. He was arrested by Israeli security forces about eight days after enlisting, which the prosecution considered an "foiling of his activity."

During sentencing arguments, the prosecution requested a lengthy prison term, suspended sentences, and a substantial fine, emphasizing the "gravity of his connection" to the "Al-Qassam Brigades." The court ultimately imposed 24 and a half years of actual imprisonment, along with suspended sentences and a fine of 25,000 shekels.

Following the verdict, the prosecution described the case as "exceptional in its severity," noting Abu Al-Qian "chose to act against his country, establish relations with a terrorist organization, and even enlist in the Israeli army on behalf of a terrorist organization to gather information from within the army and harm state security." The prosecution also confirmed that details of the case were submitted to the Minister of Interior for consideration of citizenship revocation.