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Israeli aircraft carried out a strike in the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of three sons of Hamas' top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh. The attack also claimed the lives of four of Haniyeh's grandchildren, according to Hamas.
The strike occurred amidst delicate cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, posing a threat to the progress made in the talks. Ismail Haniyeh accused Israel of seeking revenge through the targeted attack on his family.
The deaths of Haniyeh's sons, who were identified as Hamas operatives, could strain the ongoing cease-fire negotiations, which have seen some progress despite significant differences between the two sides.
Haniyeh vowed that Hamas would not succumb to pressure following the strike, dismissing any notion that targeting his family would alter the organization's stance.
The strike on Haniyeh's family comes amid a grim Eid al-Fitr holiday for Palestinians, who are mourning the loss of loved ones in the ongoing conflict. The strike further exacerbates the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where millions are facing dire conditions due to the war.
Israel has faced increasing pressure, including from its ally, the United States, to address the humanitarian situation in Gaza. U.S. President Joe Biden has criticized Israel's handling of the war and urged the government to increase aid to the territory.
Despite claims of military victory by Israeli officials, including War Cabinet minister Benny Gantz, the conflict shows no signs of abating. The strike on Haniyeh's family underscores the entrenched hostility between Israel and Hamas, prolonging the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
[With information from AP News]
