Head of Hamas's Political Wing, Ismail Haniyeh, responded to Israel's assassination of his three children and three grandchildren, saying that he is grateful that they were martyred.
In an interview with Al Jazeera, Haniyeh said: "My sons were killed on the way to the liberation of Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque. I am grateful for the honor of my children and grandchildren being martyrs." Haniyeh's response basically implies that he approves the Israeli strike.
Haniyeh added that "my sons stayed with our people in Gaza, and did not leave the Strip. All Gazans have paid a price - and I too." He also referred to hostage negotiations with Israel and claimed that, "the death of my sons will not affect Hamas' demands for a ceasefire. With this pain and blood, we are creating hope, a future and freedom for our people, our cause and our nation."
Haniyeh's sons - Hazem, Amir, and Mohammad – were killed in an IDF strike in the Shati refugee camp in Gaza yesterday (Wednesday). According to the report, three of his grandchildren – Amal, Khaled, and Rouzan - were also killed in the attack. Haniyeh’s oldest son, Abd-al Salam, was reportedly not in Gaza during the time of the strike.
Another granddaughter of Haniyeh’s was killed in an IDF strike in the Strip on November 10, and another grandson on November 21.
