The late Abu Obeida, formerly the spokesperson for the Al-Qassam Brigades, is once again the subject of public discussion. This renewed interest stems from the recent unveiling of his real name, Huzaifa al-Kahlout, by the military wing of Hamas, and has sparked curiosity about his academic background.
The announcement of al-Kahlout’s identity followed a statement mourning the death of a commander. This revelation prompted many to delve into his life beyond his well-known military persona, focusing on his intellectual pursuits.
Abu Obeida pursued Islamic Studies at the Faculty of Religious Fundamentals at the Islamic University of Gaza. He earned a Master’s degree in Theology in 2013. His thesis, titled “The Holy Land Between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam,” has garnered significant attention and praise on social media platforms.
Online commentators have lauded the thesis, describing it as rich in meaning and intellectually significant, particularly given the political and religious context it addresses. Some users noted the considerable length of the thesis, reportedly around 650 pages, a rarity for Master’s theses in recent times. They emphasized that the work goes beyond a simple comparative study of the three religions.
Reportedly, the thesis examines the historical rhetorical and intellectual strategies employed to control and seize the Holy Land, while also refuting claims of Jewish entitlement to it. Some observers believe that Abu Obeida’s focus on the “land” as a central theme in his academic research demonstrates his early awareness and deep-rooted commitment to the issue. They suggest that his dedication to the Palestinian cause was not a recent development but had been present since his early academic endeavors.
Others have highlighted the depth of his theological arguments and his engagement with central issues. The thesis demonstrates an early preoccupation with the geopolitical importance of the region, foreshadowing his later role as a prominent figure in the Palestinian resistance movement. The academic work of Abu Obeida provides valuable insight into the intellectual foundations that shaped his worldview and his commitment to the Palestinian cause. It offers a glimpse into the mind of a man who seamlessly transitioned from academic research to the realities of the battlefield.
