Israel's far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, is pushing to demolish the tomb of Izz ad-Din al-Qassam, a historical figure from the 1930s for whom Hamas's military wing is named. The move has drawn a sharp warning from Hamas and is opposed by Israeli security officials, setting the stage for a Knesset debate next week that could inflame tensions amid an already fragile ceasefire in Gaza.
Who Was Izz ad-Din al-Qassam?
Izz ad-Din al-Qassam was a Syrian-born Muslim preacher and revolutionary who led armed resistance against French and British colonial forces in the Levant during the early 20th century. After being forced out of Syria, he resettled in British Mandate Palestine and was killed in a battle with British forces in 1935.
His legacy is complex and viewed very differently by each side:
* For Palestinians: He is revered as a nationalist martyr who fought against colonial rule. In his honor, Hamas named its military wing the "Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades".
* For many Israelis: He is considered an "arch-terrorist" whose followers targeted Jewish communities in the 1930s, making his tomb a pilgrimage site for what they see as supporters of terrorism.
The Controversy: Sovereignty vs. Security
Minister Ben-Gvir has declared that "terrorists should not rest even in death" and has ordered police to carry out the tomb's demolition in the city of Nesher. He is expected to argue for its immediate removal at a Knesset Internal Affairs Committee meeting scheduled for Tuesday, December 16.
However, his plan faces significant opposition from within the Israeli establishment:
* Security officials from the Shin Bet and Defense Ministry fear the provocative act could spark significant violence and destabilize the current, tense calm.
* Islamic authorities, represented by the Waqf, view the potential destruction of a gravesite as a grave offense to religious sentiments.
The committee aims to find a compromise between political demands to assert sovereignty and serious security considerations.
Reactions and Risks
Hamas has issued a strong statement condemning the move. A senior official, Mahmoud Mardawi, stated that attempts to erase al-Qassam's memory will fail and that the figure "will remain alive in the consciousness of our people". This follows a pattern of Hamas condemning Ben-Gvir's actions, having previously labeled his policies against Bedouin communities in the Negev desert as "state-backed terrorism".
The situation is a flashpoint that risks igniting broader unrest. The debate occurs against a backdrop of reported abuses against Palestinian prisoners and the emergence of new, local armed groups in Gaza that oppose Hamas and are viewed by many Palestinians as collaborators.
What Happens Next
All eyes are on the Knesset committee hearing next week. The outcome will test the balance of power within Israel's government and its willingness to risk security for a symbolic act of sovereignty. Any move to damage or destroy the tomb could be met with immediate retaliation from Hamas or other factions, threatening the fragile post-ceasefire period.
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