Israeli officials are working to clarify the distinction between the recent Israeli airstrike that resulted in the deaths of the children of Hamas's political leader Ismail Haniyeh and the ongoing negotiations aimed at achieving a ceasefire and hostage deal.
One Israeli official emphasized that the airstrike was not connected to the negotiations for the release of hostages. The official stated, 'Israel's operation is independent of the negotiations and is focused on eliminating terrorist operatives.'
It was revealed that neither Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu nor Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had prior knowledge of the airstrike.
These statements from Israeli officials follow Haniyeh's assertion that the airstrike was intended to pressure Hamas into compromising on its demands during the negotiations.
