A legacy of resistance: Palestinians mark 20th anniversary of Al-Rantisi's martyrdom
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)
LEGAL WARNING: All rights of the published news, photos and videos are reserved by İlke Haber Ajansı Basın Yayın San. Trade A.Ş. Under no circumstances can all or part of the news, photos and videos be used without a written contract or subscription.
Türkiye’s hosting of the 31st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31), scheduled to take place in Antalya from November 9 to 20, 2026, has sparked debate over the economic, environmental and diplomatic implications of international climate policies.
Bosnia-Herzegovina’s first president remains an enduring inspiration for Muslims worldwide through his steadfast faith, intellectual legacy and struggle for his people’s freedom and dignity.
US President Donald Trump has drawn criticism after making remarks about the name “Muhammad” at an election rally in Georgia, prompting renewed concerns over the stereotyping of Muslims and the growing normalisation of anti-Islamic rhetoric in American political discourse.
Twelve years after the October 6-8, 2014 violence in southeastern Türkiye, questions over accountability and the course of the judicial process continue to be raised by victims' families and their lawyers.