Israeli media claimed that the IDF officials did not consult Netanyahu about carrying out a strike on the family members of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh.
Israel on Wednesday killed three in a strike in the northern Gaza Strip, saying they were operatives in the terror group. The three sons — Hazem, Amir and Mohammad — were killed after the car they were driving in was struck in Gaza City’s Shati camp, Hamas said.
The deaths were confirmed by Haniyeh himself and Hamas, according to the Times of Israel.
The IDF and Shin Bet later confirmed killing the three men, saying they were operatives in the terror group. According to the IDF and Shin Bet, Amir Haniyeh was a squad commander in the Hamas military wing, while Hazem and Mohammad Haniyeh were lower-ranking operatives, also in the military wing.
Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas who is largely based in Qatar, confirmed their deaths in comments to Al Jazeera, telling the news outlet that he “thank[s] God for bestowing upon us the honor of their martyrdom.”
In a phone interview broadcast on the TV network, the terror leader vowed that the group will not surrender, and that such actions will not make it change its goals and its demands in hostage release talks.
“Their pure blood is for the liberation of Jerusalem and Al-Aqsa, and we will continue to march on our road, and will not hesitate and will not falter,” Haniyeh said. “With their blood, we bring about hope, a future and freedom for our people and our cause.”
