Qaeda No 2 urges support for Hamas

Al-Qaeda’s deputy leader called on Muslims around the world to back Hamas with weapons, money and attacks on US and Israeli interests in a web audiotape on Monday, urging the Palestinian militant group to unite with al-Qaeda’s “holy warriors” after its Gaza takeover.

The message from Ayman al-Zawahri, Osama bin Laden’s top deputy, marked a major shift by al-Qaeda, which in the past criticised Hamas for a government with the US-supported Fatah faction. The audiotape was clearly made after Hamas’ takeover of Gaza earlier this month. Its authenticity could not be confirmed, but it was posted on a web forum.

Al-Zawahri urged Hamas to implement Islamic law in Gaza, telling it, “Taking over power is not a goal but a means to implement God’s word on earth.”