2024-04-11 18:08:00
It’s morning in the Middle East. Catch up on key developments
Three sons of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Wednesday, a death that threatens to complicate ongoing negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and a hostage deal.
The Israeli military confirmed it carried out the attack and described the men as “three Hamas military operatives who carried out terrorist activities in central Gaza.”
Haniyeh said killing the leaders’ children would only make Hamas “more firm in our principles and adherence to our land.”
Israeli officials drew a distinction between the attack and negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire and a hostage agreement.
Two other Israeli officials said that neither Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had been informed in advance about the attack.
Here are the other developments in the region:
Hamas raises fears over hostagesHamas has indicated that it is currently unable to identify and locate 40 Israeli hostages needed for the first phase of a proposed ceasefire agreement, according to an Israeli official and a source familiar with the discussions, raising fears that there may be more hostages. . be dead of those who are publicly known.
The United States is committed to protecting Israel: President Joe Biden touted an “ironclad” commitment to Israel’s security in the face of Iranian threats. Secretary of State Antony Blinken reiterated that support. The United States has been preparing for an attack by Iran against Israeli or American assets in the region following a deadly attack on Iranian facilities in Damascus.
Fears of an Iranian attack: The Israeli military disrupted GPS signals in several cities, including the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and Jerusalem, to try to thwart missile or drone attacks potentially fired by Iran or Iranian-backed groups in the region. The interference disrupted daily life, causing frustration throughout Israel.
Eid celebrations ruined: This is a different Eid than most Gazans can remember. A true celebration is virtually impossible anywhere in the enclave, where the United Nations says more than 70% of homes have been damaged or destroyed since October. Muslims in Gaza celebrate the holiday with a mix of apprehension and defiance.
aid crisis: The United States has airdropped about 852 tons of humanitarian aid to date, U.S. Central Command said, as Israel limits truck-delivered aid to the enclave. The UN and aid agencies have repeatedly said that airdrops are not as effective as ground crossings.
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