Israeli Airstrike Kills Three Sons of Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza

An Israeli airstrike conducted in the Gaza Strip has resulted in the deaths of three sons of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, as reported by both the Israeli army and the militant group’s official media. The attack, confirmed by the Israeli military, targeted individuals involved in militant activity in central Gaza. Hamas further stated that four grandchildren of the leader also lost their lives in the strike.

Following the incident, Haniyeh accused Israel of carrying out the attack in a manner motivated by vengeance and without regard for life. In an interview with the Al Jazeera satellite channel, he emphasized that such actions would not compel Hamas to alter its stance in the midst of ongoing negotiations for a cease-fire mediated by international parties.

Haniyeh, who resides in exile in Qatar since 2019, pointed out that the top Hamas leader in Gaza is Yehya Sinwar, orchestrator of the Oct. 7 assault on Israel that initiated the war. The conflict, which has claimed around 1,200 lives, primarily civilians, and led to the capture of approximately 250 individuals by Palestinian militants, has plunged Gaza into a dire humanitarian crisis.

As the situation in the Middle East remains volatile, German airline Lufthansa has extended the suspension of its Tehran flights in response to current developments. The decision comes amidst escalating tensions between Iran and Israel following the attack on Iran’s consulate in Damascus.

Meanwhile, in Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated his country’s unwavering support for Israel amid threats of retaliation from Iran in the aftermath of the consulate strike. Biden‘s statements underscore the escalating tensions in the region and the need to address the Iranian threat posed to Israel.

The ongoing conflict has also impacted humanitarian efforts in Gaza, with reports of aid workers being injured and killed in Israeli airstrikes. Organizations such as World Central Kitchen have faced significant challenges, with several staff members falling victim to the violence.

Against this backdrop, Israel has announced plans to establish a new crossing to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the northern Gaza Strip. The move comes amid mounting pressure to address the critical humanitarian situation in the war-torn region and increase assistance to those in need.

Efforts to de-escalate the conflict and address the humanitarian crisis continue, with international stakeholders closely monitoring the situation and calling for urgent action to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza.