The deceased, Hazem, Amir, and Mohammed Haniyeh, were traveling in a car within the crowded refugee camp when it was struck. Additionally, Hamas-affiliated media outlets reported that two of Haniyeh's grandchildren also perished in the attack, with a third sustaining injuries.

In a resolute response to the tragedy, Haniyeh declared that the loss of his sons would not sway the movement's demands in ceasefire negotiations. "Our demands remain clear and unwavering, and if the enemy believes that by targeting my children at the height of negotiations, before receiving our response, it can change our stance, they are mistaken," he stated in a media interview. He further emphasized, "These sacrifices only harden our resolve to stand firm on our principles and our rightful claim to our land," assuring that Hamas would not concede to Israeli demands. Haniyeh also dismissed the threat of an invasion of Rafah as non-intimidating.

From the Israeli side, the military confirmed conducting an operation in Gaza, which resulted in the deaths of the three Haniyeh sons. The Israel Defense Forces spokesman, Avichay Adraee, detailed that the strike eliminated three members of the Hamas military wing in central Gaza, based on intelligence gathered by the military intelligence directorate and the internal security agency. According to Adraee, the targets included Amir Haniyeh, identified as a cell leader; Mohammed Haniyeh, a militant; and Hazem Haniyeh, another military element of the so-called terrorist organization.

Ismail Haniyeh has been a prominent figure representing Hamas on the international diplomatic front amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. An Israeli airstrike previously destroyed his family home in November. Recently, Hamas disclosed it was reviewing an Israeli proposal for a ceasefire, though it criticized the Israeli stance as rigid and not meeting any Palestinian demands. Amid the seventh month of war, which has seen devastating aerial and ground assaults by Israel on Gaza, Hamas insists on an end to Israeli military operations, withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and the return of displaced Palestinians to their homes.

In a heartfelt Facebook post, Haniyeh's eldest son, Abdul Salam, mourned the loss of his three brothers and their children, honoring their martyrdom in Gaza City’s Al-Shati camp, which he called "the camp of heroes."

Since assuming the highest position in Hamas in 2017, Haniyeh has been moving between Turkey and Qatar, navigating Israeli travel restrictions on the blockaded Gaza Strip. This mobility has allowed him to act as a mediator in recent ceasefire negotiations and to maintain connections with Iran, a major ally of Hamas.

Israel considers all Hamas leaders terrorists, accusing Haniyeh and others of continuing to "control the terrorist organization." The extent of Haniyeh's knowledge of [the] October 7 attack on Israel by Gaza fighters, a highly secretive operation by Hamas's military wing, remains unclear, suggesting internal divisions on strategy and objectives within the organization.