Hamas: US economic turmoil divine punishment
God penalizing US for supporting Israel, Hamas leader Haniyeh says in Friday sermon
America's current economic turmoil is "divine punishment" for Washington's treatment of the Palestinian people, a Hamas leader said during a Friday sermon.
Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh of the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip said God was penalizing the US for supporting an Israeli-led blockade of the Strip. Haniyeh said God's punishment would also extend to America's allies.
"This is divine punishment, because of America's embargo of the Palestinian people," said Haniyeh, who devoted much of his 45-minute sermon in a Gaza City mosque to attacking the US.
"America raised its big stick in the face of everybody who tried offer support to the Palestinian people."
The notion that the current financial crisis is related to the mistreatment of Muslims by America has gained popularity in the Arab world as of late.
In a recent video, prominent American al-Qaeda Adam Gadahn pointed to the economic crisis that has shaken up Wall Street as proof that Muslims are on the verge of a historic victory.
