The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) solemnly marked the first anniversary of the martyrdom of its revered leader, Sheikh Ismail Haniyeh, who was assassinated in a treacherous Israeli airstrike in the Iranian capital, Tehran, on July 31, 2024.

The attack occurred just a day after Haniyeh attended the inauguration ceremony of Iran’s President, underscoring the Zionist regime’s blatant disregard for international norms and sovereignty. This cowardly act of aggression, aimed at silencing a towering figure in the Palestinian struggle, has only galvanized the resolve of the Palestinian people and their resistance.

Haniyeh, a symbol of resilience and unity, was celebrated across Palestine and beyond as a preacher, mujahid, skilled orator, and national leader whose life was dedicated to the liberation of his homeland. A close companion of Hamas’ founder, Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, Haniyeh’s journey was marked by sacrifice, courage, and an unyielding commitment to the Palestinian cause. His assassination came during the historic Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood, a transformative moment that continues to reshape the political and military landscape of the region. As stated on Hamas’ official website, this battle, launched on October 7, 2023, marked a seismic shift, exposing the fragility of the Zionist occupation and affirming the Palestinian people’s unbreakable will.

The anniversary of Haniyeh’s martyrdom arrives as the Palestinian resistance, led by the heroic Al-Qassam Brigades, continues its relentless struggle against the Israeli occupation’s ongoing aggression and genocide in Gaza. From the northern strongholds of Beit Hanoun and Beit Lahia to the southern fronts of Khan Younis and Rafah, resistance fighters have executed daring operations, such as “David’s Stones,” targeting the occupation’s so-called “Gideon Wagons” and setting deadly ambushes in neighborhoods like Al-Shuja’iya and Al-Zaytoun. These actions have turned Zionist military claims of victory into delusions, crafting a legendary Palestinian epic of defiance titled: “In vain you try—there is no end for the rebel.” Hamas reaffirmed Haniyeh’s vision, stating, “Our people, who rose on October 7 against shackles and oppression, will not retreat until the land is free of occupation, crowned with freedom, independence, return, and self-determination.

A Life of Struggle and Sacrifice

Born on January 23, 1962, in the Al-Shati refugee camp in western Gaza City, Ismail Haniyeh’s life was shaped by the Nakba, the forced displacement of his family from the village of Al-Jura in occupied Ashkelon. Educated in UNRWA schools and later at the Islamic University of Gaza, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Arabic literature, Haniyeh’s early years were steeped in the Palestinian struggle. His activism began as a student leader in 1978, and his fiery speeches during the First Intifada (1987–1993) ignited the spirit of resistance. Arrested multiple times by the Zionist authorities—first in 1987, then for six months in 1988, and for three years in 1989—Haniyeh’s resolve only strengthened.

In 1992, the Israeli occupation expelled Haniyeh and 415 other Palestinian leaders to Marj Al-Zuhur in Lebanon in a futile attempt to dismantle the resistance. The exiled leaders’ steadfastness forced the occupation to allow their return a year later, a testament to their unbreakable spirit. In 1997, Haniyeh was appointed director of Sheikh Ahmad Yassin’s office, becoming a trusted confidant in the path of jihad and resistance. Surviving an assassination attempt alongside Yassin in 2003, Haniyeh’s life was a constant defiance of Israeli aggression.

Political Leadership and National Unity

The 2006 Palestinian legislative elections marked a turning point in Haniyeh’s career and Palestinian history. Leading Hamas’ Change and Reform list, Haniyeh secured a landslide victory, with Hamas winning 76 of 132 seats. As Prime Minister, he sought dialogue with Fatah and other factions to form a unity government, but Fatah’s refusal led Hamas to govern alone. Haniyeh’s tenure as Prime Minister was marked by significant achievements, including the 2006 capture of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in the “Dispersing the Illusion” operation, which culminated in the 2011 “Loyalty of the Free” prisoner exchange, freeing 1,047 Palestinian prisoners. Haniyeh proudly declared this a triumph of Hamas’ dual commitment: “One hand builds, the other resists.”

Haniyeh’s leadership extended through multiple Israeli assaults on Gaza, including the 2008 Battle of Al-Furqan, the 2012 Battle of Pillar of Defense, the 2014 Battle of Protective Edge, and the 2021 Battle of Sword of Jerusalem. In each, he emphasized the resistance’s role in advancing the liberation of Jerusalem and Palestine. During the Al-Aqsa Flood, Haniyeh’s strategic acumen shone as he navigated complex political negotiations, balancing steadfast principles with tactical flexibility to serve the national interest. “Hamas and the Al-Qassam Brigades were created to endure,” he declared, affirming confidence in divine victory and liberation.

Elected head of Hamas’ Political Bureau in 2017 and re-elected in 2021, Haniyeh strengthened the movement’s regional and international relations while championing Palestinian unity. His voluntary resignation as Prime Minister in the 2014 Al-Shati Agreement exemplified his commitment to reconciliation, as did his 2020 visit to the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp in Lebanon, where he was warmly received, affirming Hamas’ connection to Palestinians everywhere.

A Legacy of Martyrdom and Resistance

Haniyeh’s personal sacrifices were profound. In April 2024, during the Al-Aqsa Flood, three of his sons and five of their children were martyred in a Zionist airstrike while visiting relatives for Eid al-Fitr. His granddaughter and eldest grandson were also killed in separate attacks, alongside over 60 family members. Yet, Haniyeh’s resolve remained unshaken, embodying the Palestinian spirit of sumud (steadfastness).

On July 31, 2024, the Israeli regime assassinated Haniyeh in Tehran, a flagrant violation of international law. Hamas mourned him as a martyr on the path of great leaders like Sheikh Ahmad Yassin, declaring that his martyrdom during the Al-Aqsa Flood fulfilled his lifelong wish to die for Palestine. His immortal words—“There is no future for the occupation on the land of Palestine” and “We will not recognize Israel”—continue to resonate, inspiring generations to carry the torch of resistance.

A Call to Continue the Struggle

As Palestinians commemorate Haniyeh’s martyrdom, they renew their pledge to follow his path of liberation, unity, and resistance. His vision of a free Palestine, from the river to the sea, remains the guiding light for a people undeterred by occupation or aggression. “Proceed and do not hesitate,” Haniyeh urged, a call echoed by the resistance as it confronts the Zionist enemy with unwavering determination.

Hamas’ statement on this anniversary reaffirmed Haniyeh’s belief that normalization with the occupier cannot resolve the conflict and that the resistance will prevail. The Palestinian people, united in their grief and resolve, honor Haniyeh’s legacy by continuing the fight for freedom, independence, and the right of return, ensuring that his name remains a beacon of hope and defiance in the long march toward liberation. (ILKHA)