Elusive Hamas military chief calls on all groups to unite to liberate Palestine

Hamas’s military commander Muhammad Deif issues a rare statement to mark the 35th anniversary of the founding of the terror group, calling on all factions to unite to “liberate Palestine.”

“You won’t manage to oppress our people or eliminate our identity from our land,” Deif tells Israelis in a recorded message.

“All the factions must unite for one great goal, the liberation of Palestine,” he says.

The elusive Hamas military wing leader Deif has been on Israel’s most-wanted list for over 25 years for his involvement in the planning and execution of a large number of terror attacks, including many bus bombings in years past. The Israeli military considers Deif to be a skilled field commander.

Israeli security services tried to kill Deif at least seven times over the years. The first such attempt took place in 2001, a second in 2002, costing him his eye, and a third a year later. Another strike was conducted in 2006 in which he was seriously injured, losing both of his legs and one arm.