Hamas calls U.S. designation of Haniyeh as terrorist violation of int'l law
“Hamas considers this [decision] to be a dangerous development."
By ADAM RASGONUpdated: FEBRUARY 1, 2018 01:51Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh gestures as he delivers a speech over U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, in Gaza City December 7, 2017(photo credit: MOHAMMED SALEM/REUTERS)
Hamas officials on Wednesday criticized the US State Department’s designation of Hamas Politburo chairman Ismail Haniyeh as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist.“We condemn this decision and totally reject it,” Hamas Politburo member Ezzat al-Rishq said. “We affirm that it will not prevent our people and its leaders from continuing their legitimate struggle and exercising their natural right to defend their occupied land.”Under the designation, Haniyeh will not be able to access the US financial system.Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum lashed out at the State Department’s decision, calling it a violation of international law.“Hamas considers this [decision] to be a dangerous development and a violation of international laws that granted the Palestinian people its right to defend itself, resist the occupation and choose its leaders,” he said.
