Qaeda's Zawahri criticises Hamas over Mecca deal

DUBAI, Mar 11 (Reuters) Al Qaeda's second-in-command Ayman al-Zawahri lashed out at the leadership of Palestinian Islamist group Hamas today over its Saudi-brokered deal with the US-backed Fatah faction in Mecca.

''The leadership of Hamas surrendered to the Jews most of Palestine'' to keep heading the Palestinian government, said the militant leader in an audio statement, of which parts were aired by Al Jazeera television.

Hamas and rival Fatah agreed at a meeting in Mecca a month ago to forge a joint coalition cabinet, a move that largely ended weeks of bloody factional fighting centred in the Gaza Strip where more than 90 people were killed.

''The leadership of Hamas government has committed an aggression against the rights of the Islamic nation by accepting what it called ... respecting international agreements,'' he said.

Hamas, which came to power in January 2006, refuses to recognise Israel.

''I am sorry to have to offer the Islamic nation my condolences for the (virtual demise) of the Hamas leadership as it has fallen in the quagmire of surrender.'' The authenticity of the recording could not be immediately verified.

Reuters MS DB2338