Egypt Listing Hamas as Terrorist Organization ‘Shocking, Dangerous’ – Hamas

Hamas spokesperson slamed Egypt concerning it's decision to list the Palestinian Islamist movement as a terrorist organization.

GAZA (Sputnik) — The Egyptian court's decision to list Palestinian Islamic movement Hamas as a terrorist organization is "shocking and dangerous," the organization's spokesman, Sami Abu Zuhri, said in a statement Saturday.

"The Egyptian court's decision to declare Hamas movement a terrorist organization is shocking and dangerous," Zuhri said.

He called the ruling "shameful," adding that it smirched Cairo's reputation.

Zuhri stressed that the decision would not affect Hamas position that enjoys "overall respect of Arab nation."

Earlier in the day, the Cairo Court for Urgent Matters ruled to declare Hamas a terrorist organization. The decision came after Egypt adopted a new anti-terrorism law last week. The legislation expands the definition of terrorism, allowing the state to freeze the terrorists' assets.

In the end of January, the same court listed the Hamas military wing, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, as a terrorist organization. The claim against the armed wing said that the organization was directly involved in terrorist activity in Egypt.

Egypt has repeatedly accused Hamas of supporting militant groups in the Sinai Peninsula. The movement has denied the accusations, stating that the organization fights only against Israel's occupation.

The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas was founded in 1987 in the Gaza Strip, in 1992 Hamas created its military wing.

Israel, Canada, the United States and Japan consider Hamas a terrorist organization. The movement is banned in Jordan. Australia and Britain condemn the military wing of Hamas.

Last December, the European Union removed Hamas from the list of terrorist organizations.