Hamas Leader Who Shot Himself Passes Away

A senior Hamas leader who shot himself in the head passed away on Jan. 30.

Imad al-Alami, one of Hamas’ founders, was cleaning his gun on Jan. 9 when it accidentally discharged, according to Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum. Al-Alami was in a coma until he eventually succumbed to the wound.

His funeral was held later on Jan. 30, with various Hamas officials lavishing praise on the deceased terrorist, even saying that al-Alami “was Hamas.”

“He was able to deal with changes and transformations and prescribe [appropriate] policies and strategies for the different periods of time,” said Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh.

There has been some speculation as to whether Hamas’ official explanation about al-Alami’s death is accurate, as some have wondered if al-Alami was assassinated or committed suicide.

As the Journal has previously reported, al-Alami has been specifically designated as a terrorist by the State Department and was a key figure in establishing ties between Iran and Hamas. Al-Alami is also reportedly close with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Al-Alami is believed to have been in his 60s when he passed away.