Gaza (TDI): An Israeli air strike has killed the son of Hamas’ chief negotiator involved in US-mediated discussions on Gaza’s future.
The incident occurred as Hamas leaders continued talks in Cairo aimed at maintaining a fragile ceasefire with Israel.
Basim Naim, a senior Hamas figure, said Azzam Al-Hayya, the son of Khalil Al-Hayya, died on Thursday from injuries sustained in a strike carried out on Wednesday night. He is reported to be the fourth son of the Hamas leader to have been killed in Israeli attacks over the years, according to Reuters.
Khalil Al-Hayya, who had seven children, has survived several attempts on his life. One of his sons was killed in a previous strike in Doha last year targeting Hamas leadership, while two others were killed in separate attacks in Gaza in 2008 and 2014.
In remarks made to Al Jazeera before his son’s death was confirmed, Al-Hayya accused Israel of attempting to undermine mediation efforts linked to a US-backed Gaza peace plan associated with President Donald Trump and overseen by a “Board of Peace.”
He said continued Israeli strikes and ceasefire violations showed that Israel was not committed to the agreement or its first phase.
The latest developments come as Hamas and other Palestinian groups hold discussions in Cairo with regional mediators and US-linked envoy Nickolay Mladenov, focusing on advancing the second phase of the Gaza plan. The plan, agreed in October, reportedly includes a gradual Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction efforts, and Hamas laying down its arms.
Read More: Doctors Without Borders Warns of ‘Manufactured’ Malnutrition Crisis in Gaza
However, Hamas has said disarmament remains a major obstacle, and it will not proceed with full negotiations on the next phase until Israel completes its obligations under the first phase, including a complete halt to military operations.
Read More: WHO Suspends Gaza Medical Evacuations After Contract Worker Killed
Since the ceasefire began, Palestinian health officials say at least 830 people have been killed, while Israel reports that four of its soldiers have died in the same period. Israel maintains that its strikes target militants it says are planning attacks against its forces.
