In 1981, Dr. El-Rantisi was placed under house arrest and later imprisoned by occupation forces for refusing to pay newly-imposed income taxes. This was the first of many episodes of direct confrontation with occupation forces because of his principles and beliefs.

 In 1987, Dr. El-Rantisi was the leader of the Islamic movement in Khan Younis. And when Palestinian laborers were murdered in early December that year, a meeting of the Islamic movement leaders took place. They decided to formally announce the establishment of the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and carry on with resistance activities.

 Abu Mohammad was the first Hamas leader to be arrested. On 15 Jan 1988, he spent 3 weeks in occupation jails where he was subjected to torture. However, he refuted all the charges against him and was released. But he was arrested a second time on 5 March 1988 and spent over 2.5 years imprisoned. Commenting on his imprisonment, Dr. El-Rantisi said, “The greatest benefit is memorizing the Allah’s Book (Holy Quran) in prison. Also, imprisonment polishes men and teaches patience and endurance. It tames the soul. Imprisonment is the manufacturer of men.”

 Three months after his release, Abu Mohammad was arrested and spent one year of administrative detention in occupation jails. And in 1992, he was deported to Marj El-Zuhur in southern Lebanon along with 417 leaders and members of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Dr. El-Rantisi was the leader of the deportees and was a driving force towards their insistence on returning to Palestine. Upon his return from southern Lebanon, Dr. El-Rantisi was imprisoned by occupation forces and released in 1997.

 In total, Dr. El-Rantisi spent more than 7 years in occupation jails. The seven years hardened Dr. El-Rantisi’s resolve and determination. And during those 7 years, Dr. El-Rantisi left a strong impression on occupation officials.

 When the occupation intelligence official led the arresting party in 1988, they broke into Dr. El-Rantisi’s house and tried to go into the bedroom. Abu Mohammad told them not to enter the bedroom; but the intelligence officer started to move towards the room. Abu Mohammad confronted the officer and punched him. In the end, no one entered the room.