Israeli police say they have arrested the 57-year-old sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as part of an investigation in southern Israel, Al Jazeera reports.

Sabah Abdel Salam Haniyeh, an Israeli citizen, was taken into custody in the town of Tel Sheva as part of the investigation, which also involves Israel’s security agency, Shin Bet.

A police spokesman, who confirmed it was Haniyeh’s sister, said she is “suspected of having contact with Hamas operatives and identifying with the organisation, while inciting and supporting acts of terrorism in Israel”.

Police said they found “documents, media, telephones, other findings and evidence linking her to the commission of serious security offences against the State of Israel” in her house.