On this day in 2020, we lost former secretary general of Palestinian Islamic Jihad Ramadan Shalah, one of the most prominent Palestinian figures, who has left an indelible mark in the history of Palestine. He was a pious man who loved his homeland and was willing to make sacrifices for its sake. 

With Palestine close to his heart, Shalah embraced resistance as a path to liberation and ending the occupation and colonial injustices. He set an example as a leader and a brother, with whom I shared my concern for our homeland and worked on the same approach towards Jerusalem.  

Shallah believed in national unity as an ultimate means of joint action and work and strenuous and comprehensive resistance. 

His passing was deeply felt, but he left a great legacy of creative thinking and loyal men who will follow his path, above them is Ziyad al-Nakhala, the current secretary-general of Palestinian Islamic Jihad. 

May Allah shower the deceased with His Mercy and make his abode in His spacious gardens. 

Ismail Haniyeh 
Head of Hamas Political Bureau
Monday, 6 June 2022