Gaza’s Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh mourned the loss of his three sons and four grandchildren in an Israeli airstrike while Gaza celebrated a muted Eid-ul-Fitr. According to reports, the Israeli airstrike that killed the sons and grandchildren of the Hamas leader on Eid was done without consulting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The killing of Haniyeh’s family members adds a potential complication to negotiations aimed at securing a halt in the fighting in Gaza and the return of Israeli hostages held in the besieged enclave. Reports suggest that the Israeli military did not consult Defence Minister Yoav Gallant or Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu before targeting Ismail Haniyeh’s sons. The airstrikes were reportedly coordinated by the Israeli military and the Shin Bet intelligence service, targeting the Haniyeh family members as Hamas fighters.
Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s three sons Amir, Mohammad, and Hazem Haniyeh were killed in the airstrike, complicating repeated ceasefire talks. A video circulating on social media shows Ismail Haniyeh being informed about his kin’s death while he is in a hospital visiting wounded Palestinians.
Living in exile in Qatar, Ismail Haniyeh responded to the news with a somber acknowledgment, saying, “God rest their souls.”
While the Israeli military did not comment on reports of the deaths of Haniyeh’s grandchildren, Benjamin Netanyahu faced increased condemnation, particularly after the deaths of seven aid workers in an Israeli airstrike.
Tensions escalated further in the region with an attack on the Iranian embassy in Syria, prompting threats of retaliation from Iran. The situation prompted German airline Lufthansa to extend the suspension of its flights to Tehran due to the heightened tensions in the Middle East.
Overall, the tragic incident highlights the complex dynamics and ongoing tensions in the region, with significant implications for diplomatic efforts and the security situation in Gaza and beyond. The loss of civilian lives, including those of Haniyeh’s family members, underscores the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the conflict and the importance of international engagement in addressing the root causes of the violence.
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