Hamas calls bin Laden ‘holy warrior’; condemns killing

Hamas does a lot of surprising things. But this one really shocked me when I heard it this morning. It particularly surprised because it was transitioned into by the radio reporter as, generally, “but not everyone was rejoicing bin Laden’s death.” The reporter didn’t, however, mention that Hamas is listed as a terrorist organization by the United States.

Anyway, here’s what Hamas said in regards to the U.S. ” title=”Haaretz” target=”_blank”>Haaretz:

“We regard this as a continuation of the American policy based on oppression and the shedding of Muslim and Arab blood,” Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas administration in the Gaza Strip, told reporters.

Though he noted doctrinal differences between bin Laden’s al-Qaida and Hamas, Haniyeh said: “We condemn the assassination and the killing of an Arab holy warrior. We ask God to offer him mercy with the true believers and the martyrs.”

Haniyeh’s reported comments came following an earlier remark by a Palestinian Authority spokesman who said Monday the killing of Osama bin Laden by U.S. forces was “good for the cause of peace”.

Really? I mean … REALLY?! This is a battle Hamas wants to fight?

How is it they