By AGGREY BULUBA
In a poignant farewell, Yahya Sinwar, a prominent Hamas leader eliminated by Israeli forces on October 17, 2024, left behind powerful words that resonate with the struggles and aspirations of his people. Born in 1962 in the Khan Yunis refugee camp, Sinwar’s life was marked by hardship, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to the Palestinian cause. His journey began in a land where conflicts often overshadowed dreams, and he became a symbol of resistance against occupation.
Sinwar’s childhood was shaped by the challenges of life in Gaza, where he learned early on that “life under occupation means nothing but permanent imprisonment.” His first encounter with the law came in 1988, resulting in a life sentence. Yet, even in the darkness of his cell, he found strength. He famously said, “Patience is not just a virtue, but a weapon… a bitter weapon, like someone who drinks the sea drop by drop.” He emerged from prison in 2011, stronger and more determined, believing that the struggle for Palestine was a destiny to uphold.
In his will, Sinwar urged his people to “remain loyal to the blood of the martyrs,” emphasizing the importance of honoring those who sacrificed for freedom. He wrote, “They are the ones who paved the path of freedom for us with their blood, so do not waste those sacrifices in the calculations of politicians and the games of diplomacy.” His leadership of Hamas since 2017 was not merely about power; it was about continuing a fight that began with stones and evolved into a broader struggle for liberation.
Sinwar’s call to arms resonated during the recent Battle of the Flood of Al-Aqsa, where he positioned himself not just as a leader, but as “the voice of every Palestinian who dreams of liberation.” He understood that the fight was physical and spiritual—a testament to the resilience of a people who refuse to be silenced.
His will serves as a reminder that resistance is more than mere violence; it is a profound commitment to honor and dignity. “Do not fear prisons,” he advised, “for they are only part of our long path to freedom.” He acknowledged that while “the road is difficult,” it is also one that can lead to miracles through steadfastness.
Sinwar’s life embodied the proverb, “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.” His final words urged the people of Palestine to “carry the dream of Palestine in your hearts, and make every wound a weapon, and every tear a source of hope.”
Though he has passed, Sinwar’s legacy lives on—a rallying cry for all who seek justice in a world that often turns a blind eye. As he concluded his will, he entrusted the dream of Palestine to future generations, imploring them to “be a thorn in their throat, a flood that knows no retreat,” until their rightful place in history is secured.
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