JERUSALEM: Israeli police said on Monday they had arrested the sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh as `part of a terror probe in southern Israel`.

Police said that Sabah Abdel Salam Haniyeh, who is an Israeli citizen, was taken into custody in the town of Tel Sheva as part of an investigation also involving 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 in the 57-year-old`s house `documents, media, telephones, other findings and evidence linking her to the commission of serious security offences against the State of Israel`.

Ismail Haniyeh, who lives in Doha, is the head of Hamas`s political bureau.-AFP