TEL AVIV, Israel (NEWSnet/AP) — Israel airstrikes on Wednesday in Gaza Strip, killed three sons and four grandchildren of Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas’ top political leader.

Al-Aqsa TV said Hazem, Ameer and Mohammed Haniyeh were killed with family members in the strike near the Shati refugee camp in Gaza City. Ismail Haniyeh originally is from Shati.

The brothers were traveling with family members in a single vehicle targeted by an Israeli drone, according to Al-Aqsa, adding that a total of six people were killed, including a daughter of Hazem Haniyeh and a son and daughter of Ameer.

In an interview with Al Jazeera’s satellite channel, Haniyeh confirmed the deaths, saying his sons “were martyred on the road to liberating Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

Israel’s military said the men conducted militant activity in central Gaza.

In his interview with Al Jazeera, Haniyeh said the killings would not pressure Hamas into softening its position.

“The enemy believes that by targeting the families of the leaders, it will push them to give up the demands of our people,” he said. “Anyone who believes that targeting my sons will push Hamas to change its position is delusional.”

Haniyeh lives in exile in Qatar, where Al Jazeera is based.

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