Name: Hani Mahmoud Abu Skheila

Nickname: Abu Islam

Birth date: 24 December 1978

Martyrdom date: 11 February 2004

Hometown: Breir

Residence: Jabalia refugee camp

“Determined fighter who thrived on resisting the aggressor”

Abu Islam was in his prime. He was married and 3 months removed since his son was born. The young man was a walking influence of self-confidence, humility, and dedication. He was a role model for his colleagues. And most importantly, he was very successful in what he does: resist the vastly materialistically superior occupation army as it raids Palestinian towns and villages.

On the day he died, he was laid on a bed. His face was serene, and his scent was beautiful musk. Many were gathered and cried “The Leader.”  One of his close colleagues shouted at them, “Hani was pursuing martyrdom for 3 years. He has achieved his wish. Why cry?”

But he achieved his wish after 3 long years of many victories against the arrogant aggressors.

Childhood and Education:

Hani was the 4^th child in a devout Muslim family of 9 members. The family was uprooted from the village of Breir in the Palestinian land occupied in 1948. They found their refuge in the Jabalia refugee camp.

Since his childhood, Hani was known for his love and obedience to his parents, and his helping hand to his friends and colleagues.

Hani received his basic education in the schools of the refugee camp. And he was an active member in many mosques in the Jabalia area. As a result, his family, school and mosque education completed each other in raising a very distinguished human being not afraid of overcoming the difficulties ahead despite the seemingly insurmountable odds.

And till the end of his life, Hani remained a pleasant person keen on keeping his relationships with all around him, including members of other resistance factions.

Jihad:

Hani joined the ranks of Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades in 2002. He was enlisted in the cells charged with manufacturing explosives, land mines, mortars, rockets, hand grenades, and explosive belts. He was very capable and led most of the shelling missions in the northern Gaza Strip targeting the settlements of Eli Sinai, Nissanit, Dugget, and Sdrerot.

In addition, Hani participated in the preparation of key martyrdom operations that led to the death of at least 11 occupation soldiers and the injury of many. The operations included the one executed by Mahmoud El-Abed that killed 3 soldiers and injured a few others, the joint operation with Al-Quds Battalions, and Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades that killed 4 soldiers, and the operation executed by Reem El-Riyashi that killed 4 soldiers and injured at least 10 others.

And Hani was always on the frontline defense against any occupation raid in Gaza City and the northern Gaza Strip. He was sustained a severe leg injury in the incursion against Beit Hanoun of 9 April 2003 as he fired an anti-tank rocket at an occupation tank.

And he survived an assassination attempt on the eastern outskirts of Gaza City. Hani and another mujahid were in the car targeted by occupation helicopters. Hani jumped out of the car and suffered a leg injury and the other mujahid suffered serious injury.

Martyrdom:

On 11 February 2004, undercover occupation units infiltrated into the Sheja’iya area east of Gaza city. The units were discovered and resistance fighters surrounded the area. Occupation tanks were summoned by the besieged troops to free them.

As usual, Hani was on the frontline. He moved close to besieged troops and was spotted by a sniper, who shot him in the heart.

At the time, Hani’s son Islam was three months old.