Today marks the 21st anniversary of the martyrdom of Salah Mustafa Muhammad Shehade, a significant figure in the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and leader of the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades military wing.

He was assassinated by the Zionist occupation regime on July 22, 2002, in a controversial airstrike that resulted in the loss of multiple lives.

Born in Gaza, Salah Shehade joined Hamas in 1987 and swiftly rose to prominence within the organization. He faced arrest twice by Zionist authorities in 1984 and 1988, but his unwavering dedication to the cause only strengthened his resolve. Following the death of Yahya Ayash in 1996, Shehade emerged as a top leader in the group, alongside Mohammed Deif and Adnan al-Ghoul.

During the tumultuous Al-Aqsa Intifada, the Zionist regime accused Shehade of orchestrating several attacks against Israeli soldiers in the Gaza Strip. Subsequently, he was sentenced to a twelve-year prison term, but he was released on May 14, 2000, continuing his involvement in the resistance.

Upon his release, Salah Shehadeh played a direct role in military activities, focusing on organizing and developing operational teams, which eventually culminated in the formation of the formidable Qassam Battalions.

His leadership skills were evident in his ability to attract and recruit other officials of Hamas into these battalions, despite the obstruction and resistance from the Palestinian Authority.

To eliminate what they saw as a significant threat, the Zionist regime deployed an F-16 fighter jet on July 23, 2002, and targeted the densely populated Al-Darj neighborhood in Gaza City, where Shehade resided. A one-ton bomb was dropped on his house, resulting in the tragic deaths of Shehade, his wife, daughter, and 13 other Palestinians, including a 3-month-old baby, with over 100 others sustaining injuries. The attack also caused the complete destruction of eight houses, partial damage to nine others, and additional damage to 20 more in the vicinity.

Despite the gravity of the incident, the Zionists proclaimed it as a victory, holding Shehade responsible for all Hamas military operations against them. They callously downplayed the loss of civilian lives, describing it as insignificant compared to the perceived threat he posed.

As Palestinians commemorate his memory today, the impact of his contributions to the cause continues to resonate throughout the region. (ILKHA)