Asian countries call on Hamas to renounce violence

Asian governments called on Hamas to renounce violence and work toward peace today after its victory in Palestinian elections, while hard-line Muslim groups hailed the result as a reward for decades of armed resistance against Israel.

“This is great,” said Ismail Yusanto from Hizbut Tahrir, a hard-line group that campaigns for an Islamic state in Indonesia. “The Palestinians have spoken and they want someone to continue the struggle against Israel,” he said, adding there was no need for the group to disarm.