Name: Mahdi Jamal Abdel-Ghani Mushtaha

Nickname: Abu Obadah

Birth date: November 14^th 1970

Martyrdom date: October 2^nd 2004

Hometown: Gaza City

Residence: Gaza City

Childhood & Education:

Mahdi was born in Sheja’eya quarter in Gaza City on November 14^th 1970, to a large family. He had 5 brothers and 6 sisters. One of his brothers is Rawhi, who has been in occupation jails since 1989 for his role in the security branch of Hamas before and at the start of the first Intifada. The large family was a loving family that spread love and care to all its members.

Since his childhood, Mahdi received the education and upbringing of a Muslim. He frequented the mosques in his area. But his brother’s imprisonment played a significant role in strengthening his Islamic way of life.

Mahdi finished his elementary education in Hashem Bin Abd-Manaf (Hashemia) School and his preparatory education in Sheja’eya Preparatory School. He was arrested after finishing 10^th grade in Abd-El-Fattah Hammoud Secondary School.

Jihad during the 1^st Intifada:

Mahdi was a dedicated youth who fulfilled his duties. His work within the ranks of Hamas progressed till he was charged with leading the Hamas branch administering the daily events of the Intifada, “Al-Ahdath Apparatus,” from the beginning of the Intifada in 1987.

He was arrested shortly afterwards after an accident to his brother, Rawhi. He spent 4 years in occupation jails, moving from Gaza Central Prison, to Ansar detention camp in Gaza, and Ansar III desert detention camp.

Mahdi was very active inside the prison. He performed activities and was very creative in his work. He was charged with the responsibility for his section of the prison. In one occasion, prison authorities did not allow lights in the bathroom, but allowed them in tents. Mahdi assembled a complete electricity network with isolated wires and provided lighting for the bathrooms. The network had its own control panel that was separate from the main panel provided by the prison.

Palestinian Prison:

Palestinian security forces arrested Mahdi more than once under suspicion of political and resistance work. However, they failed to prove any charge against him; and were forced to release him.

Family:

Mahdi got married in 1992 after his release from occupation jails. But he told his would-be-wife, “I am a man who has chosen the path of jihad for the sake of Allah. It is a path that requires patience and sacrifice. If you want to marry me with that, then tell me. If not, then each can go his own way.”

The couple were married for 12 years. Mahdi saw 3 sons and a daughter during his life. And his wife was in her final month of pregnancy when he was martyred.

And towards his extended family, Mahdi did not allow his numerous tasks from fulfilling his social obligations. He was one of the first to attend the social events of his relatives. And when he could not be there in person, he called his relatives to apologize. And thus, he was loved by all.

Seeker and disseminator of knowledge:

Despite his lack of formal education, Mahdi was keen on attaining and spreading knowledge. He gave lessons to fellow Muslims in principles of faith, Islamic practice (law), traditions of Prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings be upon him), security, and others. He was an avid reader and follower of events and news. And he advised his students to be likewise.

Jihad Continued:

Mahdi joined the ranks of Ezzedeen Al-Qassam Brigades in 1993. He remained active till his martyrdom in October 2^nd 2004. During his long journey, he came in contact with many notable mujahideen, such as Awad Selmi, Nidal Farahat, Akram Nassar, Yassin Nassar, Teto Mas’oud, Wa’el Nassar, and others.

Mahdi was the first to suggest building a web site for Hamas and Al-Qassam Brigades. He started to work on this project with martyr Rami Sa’ed. The site was launched in the beginning of 2000. Mahdi was the technical director of the web site till March 2004. In addition, he was the moderator for Al-Qassam internet forum.

Throughout his work, Mahdi was known for his brotherly relations and humility when dealing with others. In addition, he was a very organized executive and planner.

Martyrdom:

On October 2^nd 2004, Mahdi and Khaled El-Amrieti were in a car traveling on Salah El-Deen Street in Sheja’eya quarter. An occupation unmanned drone fired at the car; and both were martyred. May Allah, The Merciful, The Compassionate accept them as martyrs.