An Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Wednesday resulted in the deaths of three sons of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh. The Israeli military confirmed the attack, stating that the men were Hamas military operatives involved in terrorist activities in the central Gaza Strip.
Haniyeh responded by emphasizing that such actions would only strengthen Hamas' resolve and commitment to their cause and land.
The strike comes at a critical time as negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage deal are ongoing. Israeli officials have made a distinction between the strike and the diplomatic efforts aimed at securing peace.
Meanwhile, Hamas has expressed difficulties in identifying and locating 40 Israeli hostages required for the proposed ceasefire deal, raising concerns about the fate of these individuals.
President Joe Biden has reaffirmed the United States' unwavering support for Israel's security in the face of Iranian threats, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken echoing this commitment.
Amid fears of potential Iranian attacks, the Israeli army has disrupted GPS signals in various cities to prevent missile or drone strikes by Iran or its proxies, causing disruptions in daily life and frustration among the population.
As Eid celebrations take place in Gaza, the atmosphere is somber due to the widespread destruction of homes in the region. The United Nations reports that over 70% of homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed since October, adding to the challenges faced by the residents.
Furthermore, aid delivery to Gaza has been a point of contention, with the US conducting airdrops of humanitarian aid due to restrictions on land crossings imposed by Israel. However, aid agencies have highlighted that airdrops are not as effective as traditional land deliveries.
