Hamas Leader to Muslims: Attack Americans the Moment War Starts

February 11, 2003

GAZA CITY — Hamas leader Ahmed Yassin called on Muslims to attack U.S. nationals and Westerners when the U.S.-led attack on Iraq begins.

In a letter to Muslims, Yassin urged them to attack Western interests the moment the regime of President Saddam Hussein is struck.

Yassin termed any U.S. attack as a war by the Crusaders against Islam, Middle East Newsline reported. He said any method of attack was permitted.


"As they fight us, we have to fight them," Yassin, who lives in Gaza City, said in the letter.

"Muslims should threaten Western interests and strike them everywhere," Yassin said in the letter.

Hamas has led pro-Saddam rallies in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The Palestinian Authority has allowed the demonstrations, which included the burning of British, Israeli and U.S. flags.

On Tuesday, Israel announced a complete closure of all Palestinian areas in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz cited an intelligence alert of plans for a major Palestinian attack on Israeli civilians.

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