An al-Qaida leader called on Muslims worldwide to support Hamas by attacking Israeli and U.S. targets. The audio message by Osama bin Laden’s No. 2, Ayman al-Zawahiri, to support Hamas was unusual for al-Qaida, which in the past has criticized Hamas for collaborating with the U.S.-backed Fatah faction. Hamas appeared to distance itself from the call, with Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri saying Hamas “has its own program, regardless of the comments of this group or that group,” according to The Associated Press.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.
