Killing of Hamas founder condemned by UK government

The 'targeted assassination' of Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the spiritual leader and founder member of the Islamic militant group Hamas, in a missile strike in the Gaza Strip this morning has been condemned by the British government.

The Israeli Air Force carried out the airstrike early this morning as Sheikh Yassin and his entourage returned from dawn prayers. Five people are thought to have been killed in the attacks and 12 people – including two of his sons – were injured.

The Prime Minister's Official Spokesperson said that the PM condemned this morning's killings, and while No10 respected the right of Israel to defend itself, its government's methods should conform to international law. The Foreign Secretary Jack Straw went further, describing this mornings events as "unlawful killing".

Today's airstrike follows on from the terror outrages in the port of Ashdod on March 14 when 10 people died. Fifteen people were wounded in the double suicide bombing at the port. Hamas and Fatah claimed responsibility for the attack.

A spokesperson for the Israeli Defence Forces said today that Yassin was "directly responsible" for dozens of attacks that claimed the lives of Israeli civilians, foreign citizens, and security personnel.

The spokesperson added: "The leadership of Hamas, headed by Yassin, was directly involved in the organization's terrorist activity. The leadership was also responsible for coordinating joint activities with other terrorist organizations.

"Yassin was also a central Hamas authority for terrorist decision and policy making. Yassin personally authorized suicide attacks, bombing attacks and Qassam missile attacks against the State of Israel.

"During his public appearances, Yassin repeatedly called to continue the 'armed struggle' and to carry out terrorist attacks. Yassin used to emphasize the importance of kidnapping Israelis for purpose of negotiation and release of Palestinian terrorists.

"The targeting of Yassin, one of the major pillars in Hamas, is a significant blow to the terrorist organization."

Ahmed Yassin was a founder of the Gaza-based Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas). He was imprisoned in Israel in 1984 and again in 1989 when he was sentenced for life for involvement in the murder of two IDF soldiers, and possession of weapons.

Once released prison in 1997, as part of an agreement signed with Jordan (following Israel's botched attempted assassination of Haled Mashal), Yassin became involved in Hamas terrorist activities, the IDF said.

"His involvement included direction of terrorist operations and funnelling of funds to terrorist activity. In 1998, Yassin campaigned throughout Arab countries to raise millions of dollars worth financial aid to help Hamas carry out terrorist operations," the statement added.

At yesterday's Israeli government cabinet meeting, Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz said that there have been "increased efforts" by terrorist organizations to perpetrate attacks inside Israeli territory. The minister said that the security establishment had decided to apply "continuous pressure against" primarily against Hamas and the Hezbollah-backed Tanzim terrorists.

Following this morning's events, the Palestinian National Authority (PNA) announced that there would be three days of official mourning for the "martyr" sheikh.

The PNA also expressed "deep concern" at the killings, and warned that the incident would open the door for an escalation of violence.

The PNA spokesperson added: "This abominable crime against a key Palestinian political leader and a religious symbol in the Palestinian society which Israel has commenced to perpetrate, represents a direct trend from the right wing government in Israel to kill in the bud all hopes towards reaching peace and to indulge the entire region into the circle of violence and hatred and to legitimize shedding blood of innocent people.

"The Palestinian government views this tyrannical Israeli assault another additional clue on the Israeli government’s dedication to escalate up its attacks and endorses the logic of genocide, oppression and destruction."

The PNA also accused the US government of an "ill and negative response" towards Israel's robust military interventions. The PNA also said that it would make representations at the UN Security Council.

(gmcg)