Hamas still seeking deal with Israel after leader's sons killed

Hamas still seeking deal with Israel after leader's sons killed

The leader of Hamas Ismail Haniyeh has said the militant group is still seeking a deal with Israel, despite three of his sons being killed in a strike earlier today. 

Speaking to Reuters, he denied his children were fighters for Hamas and said "the interests of the Palestinian people are placed ahead of everything" when asked if their killing would impact peace talks.

"We are seeking to reach a deal, but the occupation is still procrastinating and evading a response to the demands," he said. 

Haniyeh left Gaza in 2019 and lives in exile in Qatar.

The top Hamas leader in Gaza is Yehya Sinwar, who masterminded the 7 October attack on Israel.