Three Sons of Hamas Political Leader Killed in Israeli Airstrike

Three sons of Ismaeel Haniyeh (62), the top political leader of Hamas, were killed in an Israeli airstrike, reported on the 10th (local time) by Al-Aqsa TV, a Hamas-affiliated broadcasting channel, among others.

Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Palestinian armed faction Hamas [Image source=Yonhap News]

According to foreign media reports, Haniyeh's sons Hazem, Amir, and Muhammad were killed in an airstrike on the Al-Shati refugee camp in northern Gaza Strip by the Israeli military on that day. They were traveling in the same car to attend the Eid al-Fitr celebration, a holiday following the end of Ramadan, when the bombing occurred. Two of Haniyeh's grandchildren lost their lives, and one was injured.

Haniyeh, currently staying in Doha, Qatar, confirmed the deaths of his three sons in a phone interview with Al Jazeera. He said, "The enemy, a criminal burning with revenge and murderous intent, disregards all norms and laws," adding, "If anyone thinks Hamas will change its stance because our sons are targeted, that is delusional." A video was also posted on social media showing Haniyeh receiving the news of his sons' and grandson's deaths while visiting a hospital in Doha.

The Israeli military and the Shin Bet intelligence agency also confirmed the airstrike. However, the Israeli side claimed that they were Hamas terrorist operatives. The Israeli military stated, "Amir was a commander in Hamas's military wing, and Hazem and Muhammad were regular members," adding, "They were on their way to carry out a terrorist operation in central Gaza."