jfid – Abu Ubaidah, a pseudonym for a Palestinian militant, is the spokesperson for the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of the Palestinian political and military organization Hamas.
His real name and face are not publicly known, with Israeli media failing to uncover his identity.
Abu Ubaidah often appears in the media wearing a keffiyeh covering his entire face, delivering firm and challenging statements against Israel.
One of the most startling statements is when Abu Ubaidah referred to the “Curse of the Eighth Decade” for Israel, which is currently widely discussed amid the heated conflict between Hamas and Israel in Gaza.
This statement was made in a video speech on October 28, 2023. What is the meaning of this curse, and why is Israel concerned?
Curse of the Eighth Decade: Prophecy of Israel’s Destruction
The Curse of the Eighth Decade is a term referring to a prophecy circulating in Israel regarding the end times of the Jewish state.
This prophecy is based on the history of the Jewish people, who have not had a lasting state for more than 80 years, except during two periods: the reign of King David and the Hasmonean period, both marked by the beginning of disintegration in the eighth decade.
According to this prophecy, the state of Israel, established in 1948, will face destruction before 2028 or before entering its eighth decade.
The prophecy also associates the curse of the eighth decade with the misfortune that befell other countries, such as America experiencing a civil war, Italy turning fascist, Germany becoming Nazi, and the Soviet Union collapsing.
Israel’s Unease, Hamas’ Enthusiasm
This prophecy of the eighth decade has made Israel uneasy and worried. Some Israeli political figures, including former Prime Minister Ehud Barak, President Isaac Herzog, and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, have expressed concerns about the sustainability of Israel after its eightieth year.
They have also called on the people of Israel to unite and overcome internal crises threatening the country’s stability.
On the other hand, Hamas, striving to free Palestine from Israeli occupation, feels enthusiastic and optimistic about the prophecy of the eighth decade.
They see it as a sign that Allah will soon destroy their enemies. Abu Ubaidah, as the spokesperson for Hamas, states that they eagerly await the humiliation and destruction of Israel.
“The curse of the eighth decade will befall them and let them return to the Torah and Talmud to read it carefully. And we cannot wait for the moment they are humiliated,” said Abu Ubaidah in his speech.
Abu Ubaidah also claims that Hamas has successfully destroyed many Israeli military vehicles and equipment and attacked Israeli soldiers with sharpshooters.
He also states that the era of selling illusions about the invincible Israeli army, Merkava tanks, and superior intelligence has ended, and they have disrupted and destroyed them in front of the world in the Gaza Strip and throughout Palestine.
