The Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement (PIJ) commemorated the 29th anniversary of the assassination of its founder and first Secretary-General, Fathi Shaqaqi, affirming that his followers continue to confront Israeli occupation forces across all arenas.

The movement reiterated its commitment to "the path of martyrdom, jihad, and steadfastness," standing alongside other resistance forces in Palestine and the region until the occupation is defeated in light of the flagrant Israeli aggression on the countries of the region, from Lebanon to Gaza and the West Bank, Syria, Iraq, Iran, and Yemen.

In a statement marking the occasion, the PIJ emphasized that Shaqaqi's assassination by Israeli forces only strengthened its commitment to the cause it was founded upon, asserting it would not be swayed by compromise or retreat.

The movement also reaffirmed its adherence to the principles for which Shaqaqi lived, foremost among them the liberation of all of Palestine and the commitment to armed struggle as the sole option against Israeli aggression. It added that Shaqaqi's ideas continue to inspire generations to come, describing his legacy as “growing, blooming in victory.”

Shaqaqi was assassinated by the Israeli Mossad on October 26, 1995, in Malta, when he was shot five times by a team comprising two men in the town of Sliema.

Born in 1951 in the al-Shati refugee camp in Gaza to a family displaced from the occupied town of Zarnouqa, Shaqaqi studied mathematics at Birzeit University and later medicine at Egypt's Zagazig University. In 1981, he began working as a teacher and then a general physician in several hospitals in occupied al-Quds.

By 1988, the Israeli occupation arrested Shaqaqi multiple times on charges of incitement, forming cells, and transporting weapons, before eventually exiling him to Lebanon. He continued his activism across various Arab and Islamic countries until his assassination.

Resistance unshaken by assassinations

The Arab Relations Officer of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement, Rasmi Abu Issa, told Al Mayadeen on Sunday that the resistance would continue unwavering, and it remains unfazed by the blood of its martyrs.

"The enemy's attempts to spread despair and frustration among the nation's public after the assassinations have failed," Abu Issa underlined. "The masses have regained their confidence in the fighters on the battlefield, and are now more certain of achieving victory."

"The battlefield will shape the final outcome, not only in Palestine and Lebanon but across the entire region," he stressed. Addressing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and his backers, Abu Issa asserted, "You will fail, and with him, you will be cast out of the region's politics."

He also emphasized the urgent need for Palestinian reconciliation, saying, "All Palestinians are required to achieve this unity," revealing that "there are contacts at all levels."

This came in light of the assassination of Hamas political bureau leader Yahya Sinwar, whose martyrdom the PIJ said, like that of other key figures such as Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, Fathi Shaqaqi, and Ismail Haniyeh, would only strengthen the Resistance.

"The martyrdom of Commander Yahya Sinwar will only increase the Resistance in Palestine and the region in strength, resilience, and determination."