In a devastating loss for the Palestinian resistance, Mohammed al-Deif, the Chief of Staff of the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas, has been confirmed martyred.

The announcement was made by Al-Qassam Brigades’ spokesperson, Abu Obeida, in a televised address on Thursday, where he mourned the loss of the legendary commander and other senior leaders who had played a crucial role in the Palestinian struggle against Israeli occupation.

The martyrdom of Mohammed al-Deif, along with several key figures in Hamas' military leadership, marks a significant moment in the ongoing resistance against decades of Israeli aggression. However, despite Israel's continued policy of assassinating Palestinian leaders, the resistance remains unwavering, with new generations rising to continue the fight for justice and liberation.

A Heavy Loss, but the Resistance Will Not Falter

Abu Obeida, the spokesperson of the Al-Qassam Brigades, paid tribute to al-Deif in his speech, stating: "We mourn the martyrdom of our leader, Mohammed al-Deif, to our great people."

Despite the tremendous loss, Abu Obeida reassured the Palestinian people and resistance fighters that these sacrifices would not break the will of the resistance, emphasizing that the struggle for freedom continues.

Alongside al-Deif, several high-ranking commanders were also martyred, including Marwan Issa, the Deputy Chief of Staff; Ghazi Abu Tama’a, Commander of the Weapons and Combat Services Section; Raed Thabet, Commander of the Human Resources Section; Rafe’ Salama, Commander of the Khan Yunis Brigade; and Ahmed Al-Ghandour, Commander of the Northern Brigade. Ayman Noufal, Commander of the Central Governorate Brigade, had also been reported martyred earlier in the conflict.

The martyrdom of these leaders represents a major loss for the Palestinian resistance movement. However, history has shown that no amount of assassinations, airstrikes, or oppression can suppress the desire of the Palestinian people for freedom and self-determination. The resistance has always found ways to adapt, rebuild, and continue its struggle against the Israeli occupation.

Who Was Mohammed al-Deif?

Mohammed al-Deif was not just a military strategist—he was a symbol of Palestinian steadfastness, resilience, and defiance in the face of Israeli aggression. For decades, he played a pivotal role in shaping the Palestinian resistance, leading Hamas' military operations with exceptional skill and strategic planning.

Born in 1965 in the Khan Younis refugee camp in southern Gaza, al-Deif was the son of Palestinian refugees who were forcibly displaced from their village of Al-Qubayba during the Nakba in 1948. His family, like hundreds of thousands of others, was driven from their land by Zionist militias, particularly the notorious Givati Brigades, who carried out mass expulsions and destruction of Palestinian villages.

The ethnic cleansing of his ancestral village left a lasting imprint on al-Deif's consciousness. He grew up in the overcrowded and impoverished Khan Younis refugee camp, witnessing firsthand the brutality of Israeli occupation and the suffering of his people. These experiences shaped his deep commitment to the Palestinian cause and his determination to resist Israeli oppression.

A Life Dedicated to Resistance

Al-Deif's journey into the ranks of the Palestinian resistance began during his time at the Islamic University of Gaza, where he studied science. However, his interests extended beyond academics—he was also known for his artistic talents, particularly in theater and comedy. He reportedly headed the university’s entertainment committee and even performed in stage plays.

Despite his artistic inclinations, the struggle for Palestinian liberation took precedence in his life. He became actively involved in Hamas and quickly rose through the ranks due to his dedication and intelligence. He trained under Yahya Ayyash, the legendary explosives expert known as The Engineer, who played a key role in developing Hamas' military capabilities in the 1990s.

Following Ayyash’s assassination by Israeli forces in 1996, al-Deif took on greater responsibilities within Hamas' military wing. In 2002, he became the Commander-in-Chief of the Al-Qassam Brigades after the assassination of his predecessor, Salah Shehadeh, in an Israeli airstrike.

From that moment on, al-Deif played a crucial role in transforming Hamas into a formidable resistance force. He masterminded numerous military operations against Israeli occupation forces, utilizing innovative tactics to counter Israel's overwhelming military superiority. Under his leadership, Hamas developed an advanced tunnel network, expanded its missile capabilities, and refined its military strategies.

Israel considers al-Deif one of its most wanted figures, blaming him for multiple attacks against occupation forces. Over the years, Israeli forces have tried to assassinate him at least five times, but he miraculously survived each attempt. However, in 2014, an Israeli airstrike killed his wife, his seven-month-old son, and his three-year-old daughter—a heinous attack that underscored Israel's disregard for civilian lives.

During the ongoing war on Gaza, which began on October 7, 2023, Israel continued its relentless pursuit of al-Deif. His brother, along with other family members, was killed in an Israeli airstrike in the early days of the conflict.

A Shadowy Figure of the Resistance

Unlike other Hamas leaders, al-Deif maintained a highly secretive profile. He rarely appeared in public, and only a few images of him exist—one showing his face, another masked, and a third portraying his shadow, which became an iconic representation of his elusive presence. His recorded audio messages were rare but carried immense weight whenever they were released.

In one of his most significant messages, al-Deif announced the launch of Hamas’ large-scale military operation "Al-Aqsa Flood" on October 7, 2023. This marked one of the most significant Palestinian offensives against Israeli forces in history.

Even during the 11-day war in 2021, al-Deif did not release a public statement, highlighting the gravity of the recent escalation. His voice, when heard, symbolized a moment of profound importance in the Palestinian resistance.

A Legacy That Will Endure

The martyrdom of Mohammed al-Deif and his fellow commanders is a significant blow to the Palestinian resistance, but it will not break the movement. Israel has repeatedly attempted to crush Palestinian aspirations through assassinations, massacres, and collective punishment, yet each time, the resistance has emerged stronger.

Al-Deif’s legacy will live on in the hearts of Palestinians and freedom fighters worldwide. His life embodied the spirit of resistance, proving that no force can suppress the will of a people fighting for their homeland. His name will be remembered alongside other Palestinian martyrs who gave their lives for the struggle against occupation and injustice.

As Abu Obeida emphasized in his speech, the Palestinian resistance will not be deterred. The sacrifices of Mohammed al-Deif and his comrades will serve as an inspiration for future generations, ensuring that the dream of a free Palestine remains alive. (ILKHA)