The Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, released exclusive footage commemorating their fallen commanders who sacrificed their lives defending Gaza against Israeli occupation.

Broadcast by Al Jazeera for the first time, the footage pays tribute to the bravery and dedication of leaders who have stood resolute in protecting Palestinian sovereignty and dignity.

The footage highlights the pivotal roles of commanders such as Ahmed Ghandour, head of the Northern Gaza Brigade, and his deputy Wael Rajab, both killed in Israeli airstrikes in November 2023, along with Ayman Siam, Fursan Khalifa, and Marwan Issa. Their strategic contributions, including orchestrating complex operations like the Al-Aqsa Flood on October 7, 2023, demonstrate the Brigades’ tactical prowess in resisting Israel’s military dominance.

Although a ceasefire mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S. took effect on January 19, 2025, Israeli violations persist. A March 18 aerial campaign killed at least 730 Palestinians and injured nearly 1,200, according to Gaza Health Ministry reports. Al-Qassam Brigades have continued operations, including ambushes and pre-planted minefields that inflicted casualties on Israeli forces, highlighting the group’s resilience despite overwhelming odds.

The Gaza war, now in its second year, has claimed over 63,000 Palestinian lives, 80% of whom are civilians, including women and children. Reports suggest that Israel’s claims of 13,000 Hamas operatives killed are inflated, with many victims being unarmed civilians. Al-Qassam, estimated at 20,000–25,000 fighters, continues to defend Gaza using tunnel networks, locally manufactured weapons, and community support.

The footage comes amid growing international condemnation of Israel’s actions. In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials for war crimes in Gaza, while Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice. The global community has increasingly highlighted the humanitarian crisis caused by indiscriminate bombings, blockade, and forced displacement.

Regional allies and worldwide solidarity movements have expressed support for Palestinian resistance. Recent Al-Qassam operations, including ambushes in Rafah and southeast of Khan Younis, underscore the Brigades’ continued operational capabilities. Posts on social media platforms in August 2025 have highlighted these ongoing missions, demonstrating resilience in defending Palestinian lands.

The released footage serves not only as a tribute but as a call to action, emphasizing the sacrifices of fallen commanders in the struggle for justice and liberation. As surviving commander Ezzedin al-Haddad noted, the resistance will continue until Israel withdraws fully from Gaza and meets Palestinian demands for self-determination.

The Al-Qassam Brigades remain a symbol of Palestinian defiance, honoring their fallen leaders while maintaining their mission to protect Gaza and resist occupation. The international community is urged to support the Palestinian people’s right to resist and reclaim their homeland. (ILKHA)