Who Was Abu Hamza, the Spokesperson of Islamic Jihad’s Military Wing?

The news of Abu Hamza’s death has sparked widespread reactions, with many expressing surprise over his identity. Serving as the military spokesperson for Palestine’s Quds Brigades, Abu Hamza—whose real name was Naji Abu Seif—was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Gaza in the early hours of Tuesday.

The offensive, launched around 2 AM, has been ongoing since, with reports confirming that the Islamic Jihad movement in Palestine officially announced Abu Hamza’s death. The attack also claimed the lives of his wife and several family members as Israeli forces targeted his residence in central Gaza.

“With great pride and honor, the Islamic Jihad Movement in Palestine announces to our great Palestinian people and to the Arab and Islamic nations the martyrdom of leader Naji Abu Saif, known as Abu Hamza,” the group’s official statement read. It further stated that he was “assassinated by the criminal army in a treacherous attack that also targeted his family and the family of his brother.”

The group condemned the attack as a “treacherous and spiteful” act that violated a fragile ceasefire, emphasizing that such actions would only strengthen their resolve to defend Palestinian rights.

Abu Hamza dedicated his life to defending Palestine and the Palestinian people’s rights, becoming a well-known media figure whose statements were closely followed for updates on key developments,” the statement added. He was described as “a voice of the resistance—eloquent in speech and unwavering in his commitment to the cause.”

Public Reactions

Following the news of his killing, many took to social media, surprised by his appearance, which defied common stereotypes.

“I never expected this man to be Abu Hamza, one of Israel’s most wanted figures. His words alone shook the foundations of the [Israeli] entity,” one person commented, sharing an image of Abu Seif in a suit, smiling.

 

Another post on X (formerly Twitter) read, “You expected a long beard, an eye patch, and a ‘death to infidels’ tattoo? He was just a regular Palestinian man, fighting for his people’s freedom.”

The sentiment was echoed by many, with one user writing, “I was shocked by how young he looked. Just an ordinary guy you could pass by on the street.”

Additionally, many pointed out that he had only recently gotten married, just a week before Israel launched its offensive on Gaza in October 2023. Photos of him and his wife, who was also killed in the strike, circulated widely online.

Abu Hamza’s Role in the Resistance

Known as Abu Hamza throughout Gaza, he was responsible for issuing key statements on political and military developments in the region. His messages, often shared via Telegram, featured him in uniform, his face concealed, against a green backdrop.

His statements frequently addressed Israeli policies, with some outlining major demands from the resistance. Reports indicate that on February 12, Abu Hamza made a significant declaration regarding Israeli captives in Gaza, stating that their fate was “tied to the actions of the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu.”

He held the Israeli government accountable for violating ceasefire agreements and engaging in continued aggression. In a July 2024 interview with Al-Mayadeen, he commented, “The coming days will be decisive,” referring to ongoing ceasefire negotiations.

As reactions continue to pour in, Abu Hamza’s legacy as a spokesperson and voice of resistance remains a focal point in the unfolding situation in Gaza.