Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas, has said that the blood of my sons is not more precious and beloved than the blood of my people (Palestinians). Hamas sources say that 61-year-old Ismail Haniyeh has 13 sons and daughters. In an attack by the Israeli army, his three sons (Hazem, Amir and Muhammad) were martyred in addition to three grandsons and one granddaughter.
According to Qatari media outlet Al Jazeera, Ismail Haniyeh says that our demands are very clear. We will not compromise on this matter. If the enemy thinks that by martyring my sons at the most important stage of the negotiations, he will force Hamas to back down from its position, it is his mistake.
Haniya’s eldest son, Abdul Salam Haniya, confirmed the martyrdom of his three brothers and their children on Facebook. The family’s car was targeted when they were on their way to their home in Gaza’s al-Shati camp to celebrate Eid.
Ismail Haniyeh was appointed head of Hamas in 2017. Then they have settled sometimes in Turkey and sometimes in Qatar to avoid travel restrictions imposed by Israel. Based in Qatar, he has been in a position to negotiate a cease-fire with Israel with Iran, Hamas’s main ally.