Today commemorates the 20th anniversary of the martyrdom of the doctor and leader in Hamas Abdel Aziz Al-Rantisi and his two companions who were all targeted by an Israeli warplane and were martyred in Al-Rantisi’s car in Gaza.

Born on October 23, 1947, in the village of Rantis, Abdel Aziz Al-Rantisi's early life was marked by displacement and adversity. Forced to flee to the Khan Yunis refugee camp in Gaza during infancy, Al-Rantisi and his family endured the hardships of life as refugees. Despite these challenges, Al-Rantisi demonstrated exceptional academic prowess, earning a scholarship to study medicine in Egypt.

After completing his medical studies at Alexandria University, Al-Rantisi returned to Gaza, where he dedicated himself to serving his community as a physician. However, his commitment to healing was soon overshadowed by the brutality of the Israeli occupation. Al-Rantisi frequently clashed with Israeli forces and endured years of imprisonment for his activism.

In the tumultuous landscape of Palestinian politics, Al-Rantisi emerged as a key figure in the Muslim Brotherhood movement and played a pivotal role in the formation of Hamas, the Islamic Resistance Movement. With a steadfast commitment to Palestinian liberation, Al-Rantisi became a beacon of hope for his people, advocating for their rights and dignity in the face of oppression.

The outbreak of the Second Intifada in 2000 brought renewed challenges for Palestinians, as Israel intensified its military crackdown and tightened its grip on the occupied territories. In the midst of this turmoil, Al-Rantisi rose to prominence within Hamas, assuming leadership in the Gaza Strip following the assassination of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin.

Despite facing numerous assassination attempts by Israeli forces, Al-Rantisi remained resolute in his dedication to the Palestinian cause. His courage and unwavering commitment to resistance inspired countless Palestinians to continue the struggle for freedom and justice.

On April 17, 2004, Al-Rantisi was martyred in a targeted Israeli airstrike. His martyrdom sent shockwaves through the Palestinian community, but his legacy endured as a symbol of resilience and defiance against oppression.

As Palestinians commemorate the 20th anniversary of Abdel Aziz Al-Rantisi's martyrdom, his legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for liberation and the enduring spirit of resistance among the Palestinian people. (ILKHA)