Hamas Chief’s 3 Sons Killed in AirStrike: Grandson & Granddaughters Also Dead, Israel Labels Them Terrorists, Haniyeh Regards as Martyrs

According to reports from the “Times of Israel,” on Wednesday night, three sons of Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh were killed in an Israeli strike near the Al-Shati camp in Gaza. The strike targeted a car, confirmed by the Israeli military. Among the casualties were Haniyeh’s three sons, three granddaughters, and a grandson. Haniyeh himself has confirmed the deaths.

The Israeli military has stated that Haniyeh’s three sons were involved in terrorism. According to military sources, Amir Haniyeh was a squadron commander in Hamas’ military branch, while Hazem and Mohammed Haniyeh were operatives in the militant wing. The three were reportedly heading to carry out an attack on central Gaza when one was also involved in capturing an Israeli.

Haniyeh Pays Tribute to Sons’ Sacrifice

Ismail Haniyeh, speaking to Qatar’s media house Al Jazeera, confirmed the deaths of his three sons and expressed gratitude for their martyrdom. He said, “We thank God for their martyrdom.” In an interview with Al Jazeera, Haniyeh also stated that Hamas will not surrender and will continue its attacks.

Haniyeh stated, “Their (Israelis’) goal is to seize Jerusalem and the freedom of Al-Aqsa. We will advance without hesitation on this path. With their aggression, we will bring hope, future, and freedom for our people and our cause.” Our demands are clear.

If the enemy thinks that a little change can come through blackmail, it is wrong. If they think they can change their situation by targeting my sons, they are mistaken. Our resolve is stronger than their resolve. Their aggression does not deter us from our path.

Haniyeh Has 13 Children

Haniyeh informed Al Jazeera that he has 13 children. Since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, they have lost 60 family members. Haniyeh stated that they endure the same suffering as other Palestinians.

Some media reports suggest that the Israeli military targeted a car in which three individuals were heading to give Eid greetings to their family members. Meanwhile, amidst these events, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expressed condolences to Haniyeh for the loss of his sons.

Erdogan called Haniyeh to say, “Israel will be held accountable before the law for its crimes against humanity.” Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi also expressed sorrow over the incident.

Aerial Strike Planned With Precision

According to Hebrew media reports, the aerial strike on Haniyeh’s three sons had been approved by Colonel of the Southern Command of the Israeli army. An Israeli official informed The Times of Israel that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Galant were not briefed beforehand about the strike.

Haniyeh: From Deputy Chief to Hamas Leader

Since 2017, Haniyeh has been the leader of Hamas. He was appointed as the deputy chief of Hamas in 2013 and four years later, in 2017, he was appointed as the head of the “Shura Council,” making him the leader of Hamas. 

Haniyeh left the Gaza Strip for the first time in December 2019 after assuming leadership. During his absence, he visited several countries with a Hamas delegation. Following a meeting with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on December 8, 2019, British media reported that Hamas would now operate from Istanbul.

Afterwards, Hamas announced that they would also hold meetings in Malaysia, Russia, Lebanon, Mauritius, and Kuwait. Haniyeh also mentioned in Istanbul that Hamas was improving relations with Iran.

In early February 2020, news emerged that Egypt was trying to prevent Haniyeh from returning to Gaza, as it was the only route back for him. 

Consequently, Haniyeh remained in Qatar. Senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya confirmed that Haniyeh had settled in the Qatari capital of Doha, suggesting that he might stay there for the foreseeable future. Hamas also has a political office in Doha, which the Qatari government ensures security for.