The notorious leader of Hamas' military wing, Mohammad Deif, is alive and kicking. And, apparently, writing as well.

The shadowy leader has broken his two-year silence in the forward to a new book issued by Hamas in honor of group members killed in Gaza. Deif vowed Hamas would continue it fight.

The highest a man can aspire to is the honor of martyrdom, writes Deif, who is introduced as the commander-general of the 'Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades.' The life of a 'shahid' leads to either victory or death, he writes: "We vow to follow in the path of the heroic shahids, in the path of Sheikh Yassin, in the path of those who have chosen to fight the enemy."

Deif has survived several attempts on his life, and lives in hiding. It is believed that he remains seriously wounded from the last Israeli attempt to kill him. Since then he has not appeared in person before a crowd, only giving a brief statement to Hamas-owned media several months ago and giving a speech via telephone at a rally held by the organization.

Hamas and Israel have been observing a truce since June, however the group has said it is increasing its combat training in preparation for future fighting.