Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's oldest grandson Jamal killed in Israeli attack: Reports

Jamal Muhammad Haniyeh, the oldest grandson of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in an Israeli attack, multiple media reports said. Jamal Haniyeh was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike. The air strike took place inside the Gaza Strip. A couple of weeks ago, Roaa Haniyeh, granddaughter of Ismail Haniyeh was killed in a similar bombing. She was a medical student at the Gaza University. It has been reported that Haniyeh has lost more of his relatives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Israeli fighter jets have also targeted Haniyeh's properties in the Gaza Strip.

Ismail Haniyeh on Tuesday said that Hamas and Israel were close to a hostage exchange and truce deal.

"We are close to reaching a deal on a truce," Haniyeh said, according to the statement, as quoted by AFP.

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Hamas fighters crossed the border from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7 and as per Israeli estimates, killed 1200 people in addition to taking 240 hostages. Israel has since responded with overwhelming military action and has carried out hundreds of air raids in the Palestinian enclave. Ground assault is ongoing as well with the deployment of tanks and troops. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, Israeli military action has caused more than 13,000 deaths, including thousands of children.

Qatar has been mediating between the two warring sides to secure the release of hostages and to take the hostilities down a notch.

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There was considerable progress towards striking a deal on Tuesday with even US President Joe Biden hinting that both sides were close to an agreement. On Sunday, Qatar's prime minister said that the deal hinged on some "minor" issues that need smoothening.

AFP quoted sources within Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the group that also took part in the October 7 attacks, to say that both groups had agreed to a truce.

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It is being reported that a deal may see Hamas release 50 to 100 hostages. It is, however, opposed to freeing military personnel. Israel on its part, may release 300 Palestinians that are currently in Israeli jails. The deal may also involve food and medical aid to enter Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)