Three sons of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in Israeli airstrike
Three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh were killed in an Israeli airstrike, Israel’s military said on Wednesday, confirming earlier media reports.
The Israeli military said the men conducted militant activity in central Gaza, without elaborating.
Haniyeh had announced the deaths of his sons Hazem, Amir and Mohammad in an interview with Qatari broadcaster Al Jazeera.
He added that the deaths of three of his 13 children would not affect Hamas’ cease-fire demands, as sensitive negotiations continue.
“The enemy believes that by targeting the families of the leaders, it will push them to give up the demands of our people,” Haniyeh told Al Jazeera.
He added it was “delusional” to think that such attacks would get Hamas to “change its position.”
Three of Haniyeh’s grandchildren were also reported killed in the strike.
Hamas-affiliated media said the strike targeted the Shati refugee camp, just northwest of Gaza City. The brothers were traveling with family members in a single vehicle, Hamas’ Al-Aqsa TV said.
Haniyeh, referring to Israel as a “criminal enemy driven by the spirit of revenge” also claimed that at least 60 members of his family have been killed since the start of the war, which was started after Hamas launched a terror attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 people.
Haniyeh, a millionaire who now lives in Qatar, has regularly stated his refusal to recognize the state of Israel.
In 2018, he was designated an international terrorist by the US. Hamas is designated as a terrorist organization by the US, Germany, Israel and several other governments.
