Tel Aviv [Israel], April 11 (HBTV): Three sons and at least three grandchildren of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh were killed in an air strike carried out by the Israeli Air Force on Wednesday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said.    

The three sons of the Hamas leader, who were confirmed dead by the Israeli forces, were identified as Amir Haniyeh, a cell commander in the Hamas military wing; and Mohammad, and Hazem Haniyeh, both said to be Hamas operatives.  

"IAF aircraft struck Amir Haniyeh, a cell commander in the Hamas military wing, and Mohammad and Hazem Haniyeh, both Hamas military operatives, in central Gaza today. The IDF confirms that the 3 operatives are the sons of Ismail Haniyeh, the chairman of Hamas' political bureau," IDF posted on its official X handle.

Further, four of Haniyeh's grandchildren are also reported to have been killed in the strike on the Shati refugee camp on the first day of Eid al-Fitr, Al Jazeera reported.    

Haniyeh, meanwhile, told Al Jazeera that Palestinian leaders will not back down if their families are targeted by the Israeli army, and that the killings will not affect Hamas's demands in the negotiations for a ceasefire.  

In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, Haniyeh confirmed the killing of his children Hazem, Amir and Mohammad along with a number of his grandchildren on Wednesday. Al Jazeera reported citing the Shehab news agency that at least three grandchildren of the Hamas leader were also killed in the Israeli air strike.   

Haniyeh said they were targeted as they were his visiting relatives for Eid at the Shati refugee camp. 

(ANI) This is a syndicated news feed. HBTV has edited it for clarity.