Hamas’s Moscow trip angers Israel

A TOP-LEVEL Hamas delegation will travel to Moscow next week for meetings with Russian officials, a Hamas official said yesterday, part of the militant group’s efforts to gain international legitimacy after sweeping a Palestinian parliamentary election.

Russia’s invitation to Hamas angered Israel, which is seeking to isolate the militant group after its victory in the January 25 election.

Israel also condemned Turkey after Foreign Minister Abdullah Gul met in Ankara with Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal.