Hamas says Trump’s threats destabilize region

The deputy head of the Hamas political bureau, Moussa Abu Marzouk, says the orientations of US President Donald Trump “do not serve stability of the region, and tempt Israelis to more radicalism.”

In an official statement on Hamas’s website, Marzouk takes specific aim at Trump’s promise to move the US Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

“The threat to transfer the US Embassy to Jerusalem constitutes an increasing threat, especially as it comes from a state the size of the US,” the Hamas leader says.

He adds, however, that there is a difference “between word and deed” for US presidents, especially those issued during the “first period” of their presidency.

As an example, Marzouk cites the “best proof” of former US president Barack Obama, who he says did “not implement at all” his early promises made in Egypt and Turkey to find peace in the Middle East.

— Dov Lieber