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Hamas Praises bin Laden, Assails U.S.

May 2, 2011 – New York – AJC is urging governments around the world to take notice of the reaction of Hamas to the killing of terrorist mastermind Osama bin Laden by U.S forces.

“By extolling Osama Bin Ladin as ‘an Arab and Muslim holy warrior,’ Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh again has made crystal clear that he is an unbridled enemy of peace and coexistence,” said AJC Executive Director David Harris. Hamas sharply criticized the U.S. for killing bin Laden, who was responsible for the 9/11 terror attacks and other deadly assaults against Western targets.

With a reconciliation agreement between Fatah and Hamas slated to be signed in Cairo on Wednesday, Harris called such a partnership an affront to Americans and all people of goodwill. “Any country that truly opposes terrorism and supports efforts to achieve peace in the Middle East should be deeply dismayed and not remain silent,” said Harris.

Haniyeh has led Hamas-ruled Gaza since it carried out a violent coup against the Palestinian Authority four years ago. The United States and European Union have designated Hamas as a terrorist organization.

“Hamas is a Sharia-based terrorist organization that threatens U.S. and other Western interests,” said Harris. “If he is truly committed to a viable peace process, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas should think again before welcoming an unreformed Hamas into his government. Otherwise, it will speak volumes about Palestinian intentions.”