Israeli Airstrike Claims Lives of Hamas Leader Haniyeh’s Sons in Gaza

Three of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh‘s sons were killed Wednesday in an Israeli strike in Gaza, as war rages on for over six months. Haniyeh told Al Jazeera that three of his sons and some grandchildren were killed when their car was hit. The deadly strike came amid mediation efforts led by the United States, Egypt, and Qatar seeking a halt in the fighting. Hamas later said four grandchildren were among those killed, naming them as Mona, Amal, Khaled, and Razan. The Israeli military confirmed killing “three Hamas operatives” on their way to carry out terrorist activities, identifying them as Amir, Mohammed, and Hazem Haniyeh. A drone hit the family’s car in the Al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza, according to Al Jazeera. Haniyeh, visiting wounded Palestinians in Doha, vowed Hamas won’t back down in negotiations.
Haniyeh stated nearly “60 members of my family have been martyred” in total, including grandchildren. The deadly events were sparked by Hamas’ attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in civilian deaths. Israel’s retaliatory offensive has killed over 33,000 people in Gaza, mainly women and children. Turkish President Tayyip Recep Erdogan offered condolences to Haniyeh, condemning Israel’s actions on social media.