Israeli Airstrike Kills Sons, Grandchildren of Hamas Leader Haniyeh
An Israeli airstrike on Wednesday killed three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, alongside four of his grandchildren. The Israeli military has acknowledged the strike, identifying Haniyeh’s sons as members of Hamas’ armed faction. The attack occurred in Gaza’s Al-Shati camp, targeting the vehicle in which Hazem, Amir, and Mohammad Haniyeh were traveling.
Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist group that governs the Gaza Strip, reported that the strike not only killed Haniyeh’s sons but also resulted in the deaths of four of his grandchildren—three girls and a boy. The Israeli military has not provided information regarding the grandchildren’s deaths.
Ismail Haniyeh, who resides in Qatar, has been a prominent figure in Hamas’ international diplomacy efforts amid the conflict. Despite the personal loss, Haniyeh told Al Jazeera TV, “The blood of my sons is not dearer than the blood of our people.” This incident occurred as the family gathered in Gaza City’s Shati refugee camp during the Eid al-Fitr holiday.
The loss comes at a tense moment in the over six-month conflict, with Hamas considering an Israeli cease-fire proposal. Haniyeh, who ascended to Hamas’ leadership in 2017 and has since navigated between Turkey and Qatar, plays a pivotal role in cease-fire negotiations and maintaining ties with Iran.
