The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed that three sons of Hamas’ political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, were killed in an Israeli airstrike in the central Gaza Strip on Wednesday.
Amir, Mohammad, and Hazem Haniyeh lost their lives in an Israeli Air Force airstrike, carried out by the IDF and Israel Security Forces (ISA).
According to a statement released by the IDF on Wednesday, the three sons were identified as “three Hamas military operatives who were engaged in terrorist activities in the central Gaza Strip.”
In a statement, the IDF revealed that the three individuals who were targeted and affected by the strike are Amir Haniyeh, a commander within the Hamas military wing, Mohammad Haniyeh, a member of the Hamas terrorist organization, and Hazem Haniyeh, another operative within the Hamas terror organization.
The deadly airstrike occurred on Eid al-Fitr, a significant Muslim holiday that signifies the conclusion of the month-long Ramadan observance.
Haniyeh revealed that the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas has resulted in the tragic loss of 60 of his family members. The conflict was ignited by Hamas’ attack in Israel on October 7th.
According to Israeli officials, approximately 1,200 individuals lost their lives in the initial terrorist attack. On the other hand, the bombing of Gaza by Israel has resulted in the deaths of over 33,000 people, as reported by the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.
Haniyeh argued that the act of targeting the children of leaders would not succeed in weakening the determination of their people.
Haniyeh stated that the occupation should be aware that this bloodshed will only reinforce their unwavering commitment to their principles and their attachment to their homeland.
Amidst unsuccessful efforts to reach a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas, the family of one of Hamas’ senior leaders has been targeted in a strike.
President Joe Biden made a plea for an urgent cease-fire during an interview on Univision on Tuesday. His aim was to ensure the swift delivery of food and aid to Gaza.
During an interview with Univision’s Enrique Acevedo, Biden expressed his call for Israelis to initiate a cease-fire and grant unrestricted access to food and medicine for the next six to eight weeks.
In a media briefing on Wednesday, Israel’s Minister of Defense, Yoav Gallant, issued a response to Biden’s call.
Gallant emphasized the significance of the United States in the defense establishment, stating, “The defense establishment truly values the United States. From the establishment of Israel to the ongoing war, the U.S. has consistently stood by our side.”
The aid approvals that have been announced include the Ashdod Port in Israel. The aim is to enhance the inflow of goods and facilitate smoother security checks, as stated by Gallant.
According to Gallant, the new Northern Crossing has been approved. This approval will enable aid to be delivered directly to northern Gaza, alleviating the strain on Kerem Shalom, which is the crossing into southern Gaza.
Gallant made an announcement that Israeli forces are committed to enhancing aid through Jordan and establishing the Coordination and Deconfliction Cell. This initiative is part of a broader endeavor to strengthen collaboration with international organizations, apply valuable insights gained from past experiences, and engage with new partners.