By Muslim Mirror Desk
Three sons and three grandsons of Ismail Haniyeh, the top political leader of Hamas, were tragically killed in an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, according to Hamas media channels and relatives. Hamas confirmed that Ameer, Hazem, and Mohammed Haniyeh lost their lives near the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City. While the Israel Defense Forces did not immediately comment on the strike, Hamas reported that it targeted a vehicle near the Haniyeh family home.
During a live interview with Al Jazeera on Wednesday, Ismail Haniyeh acknowledged the loss of his family members and condemned the attack. He warned Israel that such acts would not weaken the resolve of the Palestinian people. He also mentioned that some of his grandchildren were among those who sadly perished, adding that they had been visiting relatives for the Eid holiday at the time of the strike.
“The blood of my sons is not dearer than the blood of our people,” said Mr. Haniyeh, who is based abroad in the Gulf Arab state of Qatar.
Haniyeh expressed his determination to continue the struggle for the liberation of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa Mosque, stating that targeting the families of Palestinian leaders would not deter their cause.
He further revealed that over 60 members of his family had already lost their lives since the initiation of Israel’s offensive in response to Hamas’ Oct. 7 terror attack.
Hamas is recognized as a terrorist organization by Israel and the United States, yet it remains one of the two major Palestinian political factions. Ismail Haniyeh, as the leader of Hamas’ politburo, has been residing in Qatar for years, where Hamas maintains its office and he currently lives.
The tragic loss of Ismail Haniyeh’s sons has undoubtedly intensified tensions between Israel and Hamas. The ongoing conflict continues to claim lives and exacerbate the already precarious situation in the Gaza Strip. The impact of this incident is likely to be felt on multiple levels, both within the Palestinian territories and in the international community’s efforts to achieve peace in the region.