By Khalid Ahrar
The skies over Gaza have once again been set ablaze by the violence, destruction, and brutality of the Zionist occupation. On 15 May 2026, the Zionist regime directly targeted a residential apartment building and a civilian vehicle in the densely populated Al-Rimal area of Gaza City. In this criminal and ruthless attack, several innocent Palestinians were martyred. Among the most prominent and senior figures martyred was one of the leading commanders of the military wing of Hamas (the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades), Izz al-Din Haddad (Abu Suhaib) (RH).
This attack once again demonstrates that the Zionist regime targets not only the leaders of armed resistance, but also the will and spirit of the Palestinian people. History has always shown that the blood of the oppressed becomes the finest nourishment for liberation.
Who was Izz al-Din Haddad (RH)?
Izz al-Din Haddad was a brave, experienced, intelligent, and high-ranking Mujahid of the Palestinian resistance. He had served for many years within the military wing of Hamas and played a significant and influential role in planning and carrying out defensive and offensive operations on the northern Gaza fronts. He was regarded as one of the key commanders in the development of complex tunnel networks, ground warfare tactics, defensive measures against armored Israeli vehicles, and in boosting the morale and spirit of the Mujahideen. His contributions were considered vital in enhancing the operational capability of the resistance.
Mujahideen and supporters of the resistance regarded him as the “Spirit of Gaza,” the “Heart of the Al-Qassam Brigades,” and the “Symbol of Unbreakable Resolve.” Izz al-Din Haddad devoted his entire life, youth, abilities, and energy to Palestine, to the complete liberation of Al-Quds, and to the dignity of the Islamic Ummah. He was not only a commander but also an inspiring leader who taught the youth the lessons of jihad, sacrifice, and resistance.
His martyrdom is considered a great and painful loss for the entire resistance front; however, at the same time, it has become a powerful spark of renewed determination, sacrifice, and struggle for thousands of young people. Every martyr who falls provides fresh strength to the tree of resistance, bringing forth thousands of new, brave, and committed Mujahideen.
For the Zionist regime, such attacks are presented as a “victory” and an “important achievement.” However, in reality, these attacks come in response to a legitimate, sacred, and deeply human response by the Palestinian resistance against a prolonged and inhumane blockade, the control of Gaza’s air, water, and land, daily indiscriminate killings, the destruction of homes, and the ongoing occupation of Palestinian territory.
Since the operations of 7 October 2023 (Tufan al-Aqsa), the Zionist regime has carried out some of the most severe and brutal war crimes in modern human history in Gaza. Thousands of children, women, doctors, teachers, and elderly people have been martyred. Hospitals, schools, mosques, and shelters have been targeted. Yet, despite all this, the resolve of the people of Gaza and their resistance has not been broken.
The brave and patient people of Gaza have, over the past two and a half years, demonstrated an unprecedented example of patience, endurance, resilience, and sacrifice. Despite death, bloodshed, complete destruction, famine, the absence of water and electricity, and all forms of psychological and physical pressure, their resolve for resistance has grown stronger day by day. Today, the resistance of Gaza has become a powerful symbol of hope, courage, and steadfastness for oppressed, deprived, and occupied peoples around the world.
Hamas is an Islamic, national, revolutionary, and broad-based resistance movement that has risen for the complete liberation of Palestine and the dignity of the Islamic Ummah. Its military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, plays a leading and influential role in this historic and large-scale struggle. They are not only active in armed struggle, rocket attacks, ground operations, and tunnel warfare, but also engage extensively in social services, humanitarian aid, education, healthcare, and supporting the daily needs of the population.
The stories of courage, strategy, sincerity, and sacrifice among the Mujahideen of the Al-Qassam Brigades have today become a living beacon of inspiration and hope for oppressed Muslims and freedom-seekers across the world. From tunnels to unmanned aerial vehicles (drones), from rockets to ground warfare, and from media warfare to international support, their struggle demonstrates that strong faith, united will, and sincerity can prevail against any technological or military superiority.
History repeatedly teaches us that the resistance of the oppressed ultimately prevails. Whether we look at Algeria, Vietnam, Afghanistan, Lebanon, and other examples, occupying powers, no matter how strong, brutal, or well-equipped they appear, eventually face defeat, and history records victory in favor of the oppressed.
Izz al-Din Haddad (RH), may your martyrdom be accepted. Your pure blood, In sha Allah, will become the finest nourishment for the tree of liberation, and this tree will bear countless fresh, strong, victorious, and fruitful branches. The Islamic Ummah will thereby quench its thirst for exemplary figures of steadfast resistance, and the torch of the liberation of Al-Quds will never be extinguished; rather, it will become brighter and greater.
