Lauren Booth reflects on her experiences in the West Bank and Gaza, emphasizing the significance of Yahya Sinwar’s last will and testament, which encapsulates the struggle for Palestinian resistance and dignity under occupation.
In her commentary, British journalist Lauren Booth shares insights from her extensive travels in the West Bank and Gaza, where she engaged with various political factions and leaders, including Hamas and Ismail Haniyeh. She discusses the profound impact of Yahya Sinwar’s last will and testament, highlighting his articulate expression of resistance against the occupiers of Palestine and his call for humane treatment of Israeli captives. Sinwar’s legacy, marked by his enduring fight and experiences in prison, serves as a testament to the struggle for freedom and dignity amidst ongoing violence and injustice. Booth urges readers to reflect on the complexities of Sinwar’s life and the broader implications of living under illegal occupation, ultimately emphasizing the importance of steadfastness and the refusal to surrender.
Commentary By Lauren Booth
As a British journalist, I have traveled extensively to the West Bank and Gaza, engaging with politicians and leaders across various factions, including Hamas and the Al-Qassam Brigades. My interactions spanned all levels of society while I researched articles for the *Mail on Sunday* and conducted interviews for the Islam Channel and Press TV. Among those I met was Ismail Haniyeh, with whom I had several discussions, including a visit to his home in the Beach Camp refugee camp, now tragically leveled in the Gaza Strip.
Recently, I came across the last will and testament of Yahya Sinwar, a figure whose final moments have become legendary. His legacy is marked by his unyielding fight against the occupiers of Palestine. Although I never met him personally, the eloquence of Sinwar’s words reveals an educated man, a gifted communicator, and one who possesses a profound understanding of international affairs and regional politics—far from the simplistic portrayals often presented.
Sinwar left behind a three-page document instructing his fighters on the humane treatment of Israeli captives. He emphasized the importance of preserving their lives, viewing them as valuable bargaining chips. His directives included references to Islamic ethics as preached by the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him), contrasting sharply with the brutal treatment inflicted upon men, women, and children by occupying forces, who face execution, torture, and even sexual violence.
In a world where narratives are often polarized, I invite you to consider the life of Yahya Sinwar and its implications under prolonged illegal occupation. His last words resonate deeply:
“I am Yahya, the son of a refugee who turned exile into a temporary homeland and transformed a dream into an eternal battle. As I write these words, I recall every moment of my life, from my childhood in the alleys to my long years in prison and every drop of blood spilled on this land. In the streets of Gaza, I learned that a person’s worth is measured not by their years of life but by what they give to their homeland.
My life has been defined by prisons and battles, pain and hope. I first entered prison in 1988, receiving a life sentence, yet I never succumbed to fear. In those dark cells, I found windows to distant horizons and glimpses of freedom. I learned that patience is not merely a virtue; it is a weapon, as bitter as drinking the sea drop by drop.
To you, I say: do not fear prisons. They are but milestones on our journey toward freedom. Prison has taught me that freedom is not just a stolen right; it is a concept forged in pain and patience. Remain steadfast, cling to your dignity, and nurture a dream that will never die. The enemy wishes for us to abandon resistance and reduce our cause to endless negotiations, but I urge you: do not negotiate over what is rightfully yours. They fear your steadfastness more than your weapons.
Resistance is more than a tool; it is our love for Palestine, reflected in every breath we take and our will to persevere against the siege and aggression. Remain loyal to the blood of the martyrs who have paved this thorny path to freedom. Do not squander their sacrifices in the calculations of politicians or diplomatic games. We are here to continue the mission of the first generation, unwavering regardless of the cost. Gaza is, and will always be, the capital of steadfastness, the heart of Palestine that endures even as the world closes in around us.
Finally, remember that resistance is never in vain. It is not just the firing of bullets but a life lived with honor and dignity. The battle is long and arduous, but those who refuse to surrender can create miracles with their own hands. Expect no fairness from the world, for I have witnessed its silence in the face of our pain. Do not wait for fairness; be fairness. Carry the dream of Palestine in your heart, turning every wound into a weapon and every tear into a source of hope.
If I fall, do not fall with me. Instead, carry the banner that never falls and make my blood a bridge for a generation that rises from our ashes stronger. Be a thorn in their side, a flood that knows no retreat, and do not rest until the world acknowledges that we are the rightful owners of our land and that we are not just numbers in the news.”
Yahya Sinwar, born October 29, 1962, died a martyr on October 16, 2014. In times of holocaust, there is no lesser of two evils—only the absence of evil itself. Seek it in Shah.
