Hamas threatened to attack Jews outside of Israel in retaliation for Israel’s “changing the rules” and allegedly assassinating a Hamas co-founder and senior terrorist who was eliminated more than a week ago in Dubai. It also suggested that Infrastructures Minister Uzi Landau used his recent visit to Dubai as a camouflage for the counterterrorist operation.
Abu Obeida, spokesman for the al-Kassam wing of Hamas, warned that Israel will bear responsibility for the murder of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh, who was responsible for the kidnapping and murder of IDF soldiers Ilan Sa'adon and Avi Sasportas more than 20 years ago. He was found dead on January 20 in Dubai, where he had served as a representative of the Hamas military wing abroad. Israel expelled him in 1989 for terrorist attacks.
Landau’s office has not commented on the accusations. His visit to Dubai for an energy conference marked the first time an Israeli minister has participated in an official event in the United Arab Emirates. No UAE minister met with him.
“We are not talking rhetoric," Obeida told an Arab website identified with Islamic Jihad, "We will hurt the Zionist enemy anywhere and at the right time.” Syrian-based Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal warned, “I am telling you Zionists, do not rejoice. The resistance will continue.”
Mahmoud a-Zahar, a senior Hamas leader, told Arab media Saturday that Landau may have brought people with him traveling under false passports. He said they might have used Landau's hotel room as a control center to carry out the assassination. “The Israeli enemy is completely responsible for this crime," said Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rishaq.
Dubai officials said that those involved in the operation were carrying European passports.
Al-Mabhouh’s daughter told Arab media her family is considering issuing warrants against Israeli officials in a British court for the assassination.