Illustration of Hamas Fighters

The Palestinian resistance group Hamas strongly denounced the presence of Nahdlatul Ulama (NU / Yahoo) character Yahya Cholil Staquf to Israel.

Hamas insisted the visit was conducted amid community resistance and the absence of Indonesia's diplomatic relations with Israel.

"We appreciate Indonesia's historic attitude that supports the rights of the Palestinian people and its struggle for freedom and independence," Hamas said in a statement Monday.

Hamas said Yahya's presence at the event was not only an affront to the people and the sacrifices of the Palestinian people, but also to the people of Indonesia and its long history in supporting the Palestinian cause.