12.12.2025 10:46
Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accompanied by police, conducted a raid on the grave of Izzeddin al-Qassam near Haifa, reiterating the threat of destruction. As Israeli police removed tents and signs around the grave, Hamas described the move as a blatant attack on sacred values and responded strongly.
Israel's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, accompanied by Israeli police, raided the grave of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam located in the Nesher area near Haifa. Ben-Gvir shared footage of the raid on his X account, reiterating his call for the grave to be demolished.
"WE TOOK THE FIRST STEP" MESSAGE
In his post, Ben-Gvir stated that the tent and informational signs placed over the grave had been removed, saying, "We took the first step. The grave of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam must be demolished." In the video, he said, "This is the land of the State of Israel. It is an important step for the removal of provocative structures."
During the raid, Israeli police removed the tent placed by the Islamic Waqf Administration, security cameras, and the informational sign regarding the history of the cemetery. Yitzhak Kroizer, the Chairman of the Israeli Knesset's Interior Committee, also accompanied the raid.
CONTINUOUS CALLS FROM THE FAR RIGHT
It has been noted that calls for the demolition of Qassam's grave have increased from the Israeli far right recently. Nesher Mayor Roi Levy requested a demolition order for the cemetery, seeking to convert the area into a commercial zone. Ben-Gvir had previously stated in the Knesset, "Give the demolition order; we will assign the police."
HAMAS' STRONG REACTION
Mahmoud Mardawi, a Hamas leader, responded in writing to Ben-Gvir's statements. Mardawi described the raid as "an unprecedented disrespect for sacred values," stating that it was an attack on the history and national-religious symbols of the Palestinian people. He regarded the targeting of the grave as "an attempt to erase the nation's memory" and called on the international community to take a stand.
WHO IS IZZ AD-DIN AL-QASSAM?
Sheikh Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, born in 1883 in the town of Jableh, Syria, is known as one of the symbolic figures of armed resistance against British and French occupations. His death in 1935 during a clash with British forces in the West Bank played a significant role in the onset of the Great Arab Revolt in 1936. Hamas named its military wing "Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades."