Islamic State declares war on Hamas with execution video

A KNIFEWIELDING MAN IN THE ISLAMIC STATE VIDEO URGED GAZANS TO “NEVER SURRENDER” AND TO “BOMB THEIR (HAMAS’S) COURTS AND SECURITY LOCATIONS”

The Islamic State has declared war on Hamas, calling on its supporters to attack the Palestinian Islamist group in a 22-minute video rounded off with the execution of an alleged collaborator.

The IS branch in Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula — responsible for some of the deadliest terror attacks last year — held Hamas responsible for the US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital and criticised it for “following in the footsteps of the disbelieving West”, a report in The Washington Post said. The video also cited Hamas’s crackdown on militant groups in Gaza as reason to attack it.

According to the Post, the confrontation between the two groups has been building up after Hamas began cracking down on IS supporters and hardened its border with the Sinai in an attempt to repair relations with Egypt.

Although considered a terrorist organisation by Israel and the US, analysts say the group has tried to avoid direct confrontation with Israel in recent years.

The Post quoted expert Mohannad Sabry as saying that IS could encourage its supporters in Gaza to launch rockets into Israel, which would respond against Hamas. “It achieves the same goal,” he said.