Ismail Haniyeh’s sister denies terror incitement charges as evidence phase begins

The evidentiary phase in the trial of Sabah al-Salam Haniyeh, sister of former Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, began Thursday at the Beersheba District Court.

Haniyeh, 57, a resident of Tel Sheva, is charged with identifying with a terrorist organization and incitement. The allegations relate in part to messages exchanged with her brother on the morning of October 7.

Haniyeh pleaded not guilty, telling the court that she can neither read nor write. She said she grew up in Gaza without receiving a formal education and relies on relatives to read messages aloud to her. Her lawyers presented an electronic pen that she uses to listen to verses from the Quran as evidence supporting her claim.

During cross-examination, prosecutors questioned Haniyeh about messages sent from her phone beginning at 6:52 a.m. on October 7, including exchanges with several contacts and with her brother. She maintained that numerous relatives, including her children and grandchildren, regularly used the device. The prosecution challenged that explanation, arguing that the length and frequency of the conversations were inconsistent with messages written by a young child.

Haniyeh was arrested in April 2024 during a search of her Tel Sheva home. Authorities said they seized digital storage devices, documents and several hundred thousand shekels in cash. According to the indictment, she sent messages to her brother that praised and encouraged the Hamas-led attacks of October 7.

She denies inciting violence. Haniyeh stressed that she has lived in Israel for more than 40 years, having moved there after marrying at the age of 15. She also said that she and her family sought shelter during the October 7 attacks.