Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh said yesterday that an Israeli airstrike killed three of his adult sons traveling to celebrate the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr in central Gaza, calling the attack motivated by revenge. Israel confirmed the airstrike, characterizing the three as a cell commander and two militant operatives.
Hamas comprises a political and military branch. Haniyeh—based in Qatar—leads Hamas' political branch, while Mohammed Deif, who has not been seen publicly in years, leads Hamas' military arm. Yahya Sinwar, who oversees Hamas' political and military operations within Gaza, is considered Israel's most wanted target and is blamed for orchestrating the Oct. 7 attack.
The strike comes amid ongoing cease-fire talks in Egypt. Hamas yesterday said it cannot hand over the 40 hostages—including women, elderly, or sick—an Israeli proposal requires, raising concerns more hostages than previously known are dead. Hamas is calling for a permanent cease-fire and the return of Palestinians to their homes in the north; Israel has said it would allow 150,000 Palestinians to return to northern Gaza.
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