The publishing of a video showing Jordanian pilot Muath al-Kaseasbeh being burned alive by the Islamic State (IS) on Feb. 3 was not only a Jordanian internal matter but rather generated regional and international repercussions. These repercussions reached Hamas, which took a clear official position by condemning the incident through a series of contacts and visits to the Hashemite kingdom.
On Feb. 4, Hamas condemned the execution of Kaseasbeh as a crime and rejected the killing of Arabs and Muslims. The movement pushed for Jordan to overcome its crisis so as to achieve its aspirations and mobilize its energy to confront the Israeli occupation.
Hamas leader Salah Bardawil told Al-Monitor, “The burning of the pilot is contrary to Islam and distorts the image of Muslims, since the method of his execution was brutal and unethical. His captors could have pardoned him or exchanged him [for their own prisoners as was being discussed with Jordan], as the party that will benefit the most from this crime is the enemies of the nation, primarily Israel.”
Hamas’ condolences for the killing of the pilot were not limited to official statements; a senior delegation visited the Jordanian Hospital in Gaza City to offer condolences Feb. 8. The delegation included Bassem Naim, head of Hamas' international relations, and former Interior Minister Fathi Hammad.
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