"We will not rest until we liberate our occupied land," Gaza fighter says

Abu Muhammad

The sound of explosions and gunfire have fallen silent after one month of all-out Israeli military assault on Gaza, bringing an end to the bloodshed that killed at least 1,885 Palestinians — the vast majority civilians — and 67 Israelis (64 of whom were soldiers) since 7 July.

The smoke and dust might have cleared from the horizon as a 72-hour ceasefire appears to hold, but the souls of victims still soar over Gaza — which has been subjected to three large-scale offensives in the last six years.

In the midst of calls to investigate alleged war crimes committed in the besieged Gaza Strip, including the destruction of residential homes, hospitals, schools and mosques; the wiping out of entire families sheltering in their homes; the killing of patients in their hospital beds and the slaying of doctors, paramedics, United Nations humanitarian aid workers and members of the press; Palestinian resistance fighters emerged from their underground locations for some rest after a month of fierce fighting.

Fighting like ghosts

Scenes of utter devastation show the lethal force Israel used during its attacks. However, Palestinian fighters remained in their bunkers and hideouts for weeks confronting invading Israeli troops, taking up sniper positions, launching rockets and fighting invisibly like ghosts in evacuated neighborhoods.

After repeated attempts, The Electronic Intifada managed to get hold of Abu Muhammad, one of the fighters of the al-Aqsa Martyrs’ Brigades.

A sense of security and caution is essential during military escalations, so being hidden from camera-equipped drones is a tough mission.

Abu Muhammad — not his real name — is forty years old and a father of five children, the eldest of whom is ten years old. He has been engaged in the fighting since the start of Israel’s large-scale offensive last month. more

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