Palestinian factions and armed resistance movements have collectively mourned the martyrdom of Mohammad Deif, the legendary Commander-in-Chief of the Ezzeddine al-Qassam Brigades, alongside six other high-ranking leaders of Hamas’ military wing.

The announcement of their martyrdom was made by Al-Qassam Brigades' spokesperson, Abu Obeida, in a televised statement on Thursday. He emphasized that these leaders gave their lives for the liberation of Palestine and the defense of the Palestinian people, reaffirming that their legacy would inspire future generations of resistance fighters.

The martyred commanders were identified as:

-Mohammad Deif, Abu Khaled – Chief of Staff of Al-Qassam Brigades

-Marwan Issa, Abu al-Baraa – Deputy Chief of Staff

-Ghazi Abu Tama'ah, Abu Musa – Chief of Weapons and Combat Services

-Raed Thabet, Abu Mohammad – Chief of Personnel

-Rafi' Salamah, Abu Mohammad – Commander of the Khan Younis Brigade

-Ahmad al-Ghandour, Abu Anas – Commander of the North Brigade

-Ayman Nawfal, Abu Ahmad – Commander of the Central Brigade

These leaders played a central role in shaping the Palestinian Resistance’s military strategy, including Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, which sought to counter Israeli aggression and achieve a long-overdue prisoner exchange to free thousands of Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

Palestinian factions, including the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ), the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, the Popular Resistance Movement, and the Palestinian People's Party, all issued statements honoring the fallen leaders and pledging to continue their path of struggle.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) stressed that the martyrdom of these leaders will not weaken the resistance but will instead strengthen the resolve of its fighters. The movement declared that their sacrifices are a reminder that freedom is only possible through unwavering resistance against Israeli occupation.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) praised Deif’s strategic brilliance, describing him as the architect of Palestinian military resistance and a symbol of national unity. The group's armed wing, the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, lauded Deif as a leader who "revolutionized the resistance" and proved that Israel’s military superiority could be challenged.

Meanwhile, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades extended condolences to Hamas and the families of the martyrs, stating that their sacrifice reinforces the Palestinian people’s commitment to struggle and unity.

"We will honor their blood by continuing the fight until the full liberation of our homeland, with Jerusalem as the eternal capital of Palestine," their statement read.

The Al-Mujahideen Movement paid tribute to Deif and his comrades, vowing that their martyrdom will not be in vain. "They resisted the Zionist occupation with unwavering determination, and today, they have ascended as symbols of bravery and sacrifice," their statement said.

The Palestinian People's Party echoed this sentiment, declaring that Israel’s policy of assassinating Palestinian leaders will never break the will of the people. "On the contrary," they affirmed, "this will only strengthen our people's attachment to their land and their determination to continue resisting occupation and injustice."

The martyrdom of Mohammad Deif, who for decades remained at the forefront of Palestinian resistance, marks a historic moment in the ongoing struggle for freedom. His death, alongside his fellow commanders, is seen as a continuation of the legacy of countless Palestinian martyrs who have sacrificed their lives for justice, dignity, and the liberation of their homeland.

Even in death, Deif’s name will live on as a symbol of resilience, inspiring future generations to carry forward the resistance. In the words of Abu Obeida: "This loss will not weaken us. It will only make us stronger. The occupiers will never know security on our land, and our people will never stop fighting until Palestine is free." (ILKHA)