Al-Qaida blames Obama for Gaza

NEW YORK, Jan. 6 (UPI) -- Al-Qaida Tuesday called the Israeli incursion into Gaza a "gift" to Israel from U.S. President-elect Barack Obama and Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak.

Ayman al-Zawahiri, who is Osama bin Laden's second-in-command, used his 10-minute audio tape released on Islamic extremist Web sites to vow revenge for the deaths of Palestinians killed and wounded by the Israeli military, ABC News reported.

"We will never stop until we avenge the death of all who are killed, injured, widowed and orphaned in Palestine and throughout the Islamic world," said al-Zawahiri.

He said Obama has partnered with Mubarak, whom he calls a traitor to Islam.

"What you are facing today is just occupation and settlement that is limited to one area or one country, but is part of a series in the crusaders war against Islam," al-Zawahiri said. "These airstrikes are a gift from Obama before he takes office, and from Hosni Mubarak, the traitor who is the primary partner in your siege and murder."

Al-Zawahiri called on Palestinians to "be strong and persist in the way of Jihad," ABC said.

"We are at work to carry out the promise of our fighting sheik Osama bin Laden (may Allah protect him) who promised that America will not live in peace in their dreams before we live in peace in Palestine, and until all the forces of the infidels leave the lands of Mohammad," he said.