Haniyah, the leader of the Islamist group Hamas who was born in Shati 61 years ago, has lost three of his 13 children and three grandchildren in an Israeli air attack while driving in the Shati refugee camp area in Gaza. The tragic loss has left him devastated and determined to continue the fight for liberation.
As the leader of Hamas abroad since 2017, Haniyah plays a crucial role in decision-making for the group at a regional level. However, Yahia Sinwar has the final say on matters related to the Gaza Strip, including negotiations for a truce. Despite the loss of his children, Haniyah emphasized that Hamas’s demands for a ceasefire would not be impacted.
Haniyah has cited there have been approximately 60 martyrs in his family as a result of Israel’s actions against Palestinians in Gaza. As he mourns his children’s deaths, he remains resolute in his commitment to his cause and people, citing their sacrifices as a means to achieve freedom and independence.
Israel confirmed the air attack on Shati but attributed Haniyah’s children as members of the armed wing of Hamas group. Haniyah accused Israel of seeking revenge and disregarding international law. He added that Israel’s offensive launched on October 7 has resulted in ongoing airstrikes against Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets in Gaza Strip, despite most soldiers being withdrawn from the area.
