Israeli Negev Resident Sentenced to 24.5 Years for Spying for Gaza Terror Group
Translated & summarized from Israel Hayom by baba
Shahada Abu Alqian, a Negev resident, was sentenced to 24.5 years in prison for aiding a Gaza terror group, stealing IDF weapons, and enlisting in the military to spy. He was convicted of multiple terror and weapons offenses under a plea deal. His activities were thwarted shortly after his IDF enlistment in May 2022. The prosecution highlighted the group's involvement in the murder of the Bibas family and is seeking to revoke his citizenship.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- Shahada Abu Alqian received a 24.5-year prison sentence for aiding a Gaza terror group and stealing IDF weapons.
- He enlisted in the IDF to gather intelligence for the terror organization Kata'ib Al-Mujahideen.
- Abu Alqian stole an M4 rifle from an IDF soldier and transferred weapons to the West Bank.
- He provided intelligence on IDF bases, troop movements, and military locations to his handlers.
- His activities were stopped eight days after his IDF enlistment in May 2022.
- The prosecution is seeking to revoke his Israeli citizenship.
A Beersheba District Court has sentenced Shahada Abu Alqian, a resident of the Negev's Bedouin community, to 24 and a half years in prison. He was convicted under a plea deal for aiding an enemy during wartime and for terror and weapons offenses. Abu Alqian acted on behalf of a terror organization from the Gaza Strip, even enlisting in the IDF on his handlers' instructions to gather intelligence.
Abu Alqian's actions began in 2019 after a demolition order was issued for his father's home, motivating him to seek revenge against Israel. In September of that year, he stole an M4 assault rifle, a magazine, and a laser sight from an IDF soldier near Yatir and buried them near his home. By 2021, he had contacted Gaza terror operatives via social media and Telegram, expressing support for the fight against Israel and seeking to join Hamas's military wing.
Operating for the terror group Kata'ib Al-Mujahideen, Abu Alqian provided his handlers with information and photos of IDF bases, train stations, government companies, and shopping centers. He also reported troop and helicopter movements in his area. In March 2022, a terror operative known as "Abu Suleiman" contacted him to purchase weapons. Abu Alqian offered to sell him the stolen IDF rifle and insisted on delivering the weapons directly to the West Bank.
In May 2022, he recruited his cousin to help transport the M4 rifle, thousands of rounds of ammunition, and five hand grenades to the West Bank, where they were hidden for the terror group. Concurrently, following his handler's orders, Abu Alqian enlisted in the IDF on May 22, 2022, aiming to gather intelligence on Bedouin soldiers, bases, and military locations from within the army. He was arrested by security forces about eight days after his enlistment, thwarting his activities.
In December 2025, Abu Alqian was convicted of aiding an enemy, active membership in a terror organization, aggravated theft, weapons offenses, and using a weapon for terror purposes. The prosecution emphasized the severity of his ties to Kata'ib Al-Mujahideen, which was involved in the murder of the Bibas family during the "Swords of Iron" war. The court also imposed a suspended sentence and a fine of 25,000 shekels. The prosecution stated that Abu Alqian's details would be forwarded to the Interior Minister for consideration of revoking his citizenship.
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