According to relatives and Hamas media channels, three sons of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ most senior political leader, lost their lives on Wednesday in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip. Haniyeh himself confirmed the tragic news and issued a warning to Israel, stating that their actions would not weaken the determination of the Palestinian people.
Hamas reported that Ameer, Hazem, and Mohammed Haniyeh were fatally shot near the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City.
The Israel Defense Forces announced on Wednesday that it had eliminated “three Hamas military operatives responsible for carrying out terrorist activities in the central Gaza Strip.” According to the IDF, Ameer Haniyeh served as a cell commander in the Hamas military wing, while Mohammad Haniyeh and Hazem Haniyeh were identified as military operatives.
Hamas claimed that the strike targeted a vehicle in close proximity to a residence owned by the Haniyeh family.
Haniyeh, in a live interview with Al Jazeera, expressed the pain and sorrow that the people of Gaza have endured. He emphasized that he, like many others, has personally witnessed the loss of loved ones and the shedding of innocent blood. Haniyeh further revealed that even his own grandchildren were among the casualties, as the attack occurred while they were visiting family during Eid.
“The occupation believes that by targeting the sons of our leaders, they can weaken the resolve of our people,” stated Haniyeh, emphasizing, “However, we will not back down. We are determined to continue our efforts until we achieve the liberation of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa.”
According to him, since Israel initiated its war in Gaza against Hamas, a total of 60 members of his family have been killed. This war was triggered by Hamas’ violent Oct. 7 terror attack.
Israel and the U.S. have classified Hamas as a terrorist organization, however, it is worth noting that Hamas is one of the two major Palestinian political factions. Haniyeh, in his role as the head of the group’s politburo, has been residing in Qatar for several years at its office.
