The Ezzeddine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas resistance movement, has officially announced the martyrdom of its Commander-in-Chief, Mohammad "Abu Khaled" Deif, following relentless Israeli aggression on Gaza.

In a statement delivered through al-Qassam’s official military media channels, spokesperson Abu Obeida confirmed that Deif was martyred alongside other senior leaders in the wave of attacks. He described the assassinations as yet another chapter in Israel’s ongoing war against the Palestinian people but emphasized that these sacrifices would only serve to strengthen the resistance rather than weaken it.

A Life Dedicated to Liberation

Mohammad Deif, known as "the shadow commander," was one of the most elusive and influential figures in Palestinian resistance history. For over three decades, he led al-Qassam’s military operations, consistently evading Israeli assassination attempts while playing a critical role in developing Hamas’ military capabilities.

Under his leadership, al-Qassam Brigades evolved into a formidable force, pioneering military tactics that challenged Israeli forces, including tunnel warfare, rocket development, and strategic defensive and offensive operations. His leadership shaped the resistance movement into what it is today, making him one of the most revered and feared figures in the struggle for Palestinian liberation.

Abu Obeida described Deif’s martyrdom as a heroic sacrifice, stating: "This is what befits our commander Mohammad Deif, Abu Khaled, who has exhausted the enemy for more than thirty years. How, by God, could Mohammad Deif be mentioned in history without the title of martyr and the honor of martyrdom in the path of God?"

A Constellation of Martyrs

Alongside Deif, several other senior al-Qassam commanders were martyred in the latest Israeli assault. The fallen leaders include:

-Marwan "Abu Baraa" Issa – Deputy Commander of the General Staff, a strategic mastermind of Hamas’ military operations.

-Ghazi "Abu Moussa" Abu Tamaa – Head of Weapons and Combat Services, responsible for the development and production of weapons used by the resistance.

Raed "Abu Mohammad" Thabet – Head of the Manpower Division, overseeing recruitment and mobilization of fighters.

Rafe' "Abu Mohammad" Salama – Commander of the Khan Younis Brigade, a key leader in combat operations.

Abu Obeida emphasized that these commanders were not passive victims but frontline leaders who fought courageously until their last breath. He reaffirmed that their martyrdom was an honor and a testament to their commitment to the Palestinian cause.

"How could Marwan Issa, the mind of al-Qassam and its unshakable pillar, die in his bed? How could Abu Musa, the wise leader of the fighters, and Raed Thabet, the towering mountain, not offer their souls for al-Aqsa?" he said.

The spokesperson also reminded the world that al-Qassam had previously announced the martyrdom of Ahmad "Abu Anas" al-Ghandour, Commander of the Northern Brigade, and Ayman "Abu Ahmed" Nofal, Commander of the Central Brigade. These leaders, he stated, were instrumental in the planning and execution of Operation al-Aqsa Flood, which has dealt significant blows to the Israeli occupation.

Martyrs in Battle, Not in Retreat

Abu Obeida stressed that these leaders were not assassinated in hiding or seeking refuge but were martyred while leading the resistance in battle.

"They achieved their desire for martyrdom in the path of God, which was their ultimate wish—a blessed conclusion to lives filled with devotion to God, and then to the cause of their freedom, their sanctities, and their land," he declared.

He reiterated that the Palestinian resistance, despite Israel’s continuous attempts to eliminate its leadership, remains unshaken and fully operational.

"By God’s favor and grace, the al-Qassam leadership structure has not experienced a vacuum—not even for a single hour. The realities on the battlefield have proven this, even in the final moments of confrontation and combat," Abu Obeida assured.

Assassinations Strengthen the Resistance

The spokesperson highlighted that Israel’s reliance on targeted assassinations has repeatedly failed to weaken Palestinian resolve. Instead, each martyrdom fuels the spirit of resistance, inspiring fighters to continue their struggle with even greater determination.

"Every announcement of a leader’s martyrdom had the opposite effect of what the enemy intended. Instead of weakening our fighters, it became for them a sign of victory, an inspiring example to follow. This is the secret of our strength and the unwavering spirit of our fighters—by God’s grace and support."

He reaffirmed that the resistance will continue, stronger than ever, and that every act of aggression by the Israeli occupation will only be met with greater defiance.

A Pledge to Continue Until Liberation

In closing, Abu Obeida vowed that the resistance would not rest until the complete liberation of Palestine.

"It is a solemn pledge that their pure and blessed blood will be a curse upon the occupier until it is removed from our land and sanctities."

He concluded his speech with a verse from the Holy Quran, Surah Aal-e-Imran 3:140, reinforcing the divine nature of their struggle:

"If a wound should touch you - there has already touched the [opposing] people a wound similar to it. And these days [of varying conditions] We alternate among the people so that Allah may make evident those who believe and [may] take to Himself from among you martyrs - and Allah does not like the wrongdoers."

The martyrdom of these commanders was framed as a profound blow to the occupation, with Abu Obeida vowing that their blood would continue to curse the occupier until liberation is achieved. "It is a jihad—victory or martyrdom," he concluded, invoking a verse from the Quran to reflect on the cyclical nature of struggle and the divine test of faith and endurance.

The Palestinian resistance, through the voice of Al-Qassam Brigades, remains committed to defending their land and holy sites, with the martyrdom of leaders like Deif seen as a catalyst for further unity and determination among Palestinians. (ILKHA)