Saudi newspaper: Hamas digging tunnels and endangering Gaza citizens

"Islamic State kills quickly, whereas Hamas are murdering slowly," wrote the author in one of the most critical articles ever seen in an Arab country against Hamas.

By YASSER OKBI/ MAARIV HASHAVUA

JUNE 9, 2017 20:28

Updated: JUNE 10, 2017 14:51

A Palestinian Hamas militant takes part in a rally marking the twelfth anniversary of the death of late Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin in Gaza City (photo credit: REUTERS) — A Palestinian Hamas militant takes part in a rally marking the twelfth anniversary of the death of late Hamas leader Sheikh Ahmed Yassin in Gaza City

(photo credit: REUTERS)

You might have to pinch yourself to believe a Saudi Arabian newspaper's criticism of Gaza-based terrorist organization Hamas. The Israeli Coordinator of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) could just copy and paste the article on their Arabic-speaking website.

In an exceedingly stinging criticism, Saudi newspaper Okaz wrote on Friday that "Hamas' actions are a double betrayal on the issue of Palestine, with the organization investing $120 million in the last three years in intensive tunnel construction."

According to the newspaper, Hamas has taken millions of dollars from Saudia Arabia and the United Arab Emirates in order to dig tunnels and hold hostage two million Palestinians.

IDF discovers tunnel from Gaza underneath building on August 8, 2014 (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON"S UNIT)

"Hamas' should have quickly put right the ongoing disaster in the Gaza Strip, instead of criticizing statements made by the Saudi foreign minister, Adel al-Jubeir," who recently demanded that Qatar sever its links with Hamas and the Muslim Brotherhood.

According to the newspaper, Hamas is a terrorist organization whose crimes exceed those of the Islamic State. "Islamic State kills quickly, whereas Hamas are murdering slowly," wrote the author in one of the most critical articles ever seen in an Arab country against Hamas.

"Hamas allocates millions of Saudi and UAE dollars in order to support Iranian-orchestrated terror."

The leading Saudi newspaper drew parallels between the Islamic State and those of Hamas, stating that "there is no difference between them."

The newspaper called for immediate Arab intervention in order to prevent Hamas' exploitation of Gaza's citizens and even "to save their lives."

"Hamas uses all the aid that the Palestinians receive to support their interests, it digs tunnels beneath schools, houses and hospitals and thereby poses a danger to the lives of Palestinian civilians."

"Hamas uses the Palestinians in Gaza as human shields," concluded the article. "The secret is out: Hamas is a double agent of Doha and Tel Aviv."

Translated by Eytan Halon