The Islamic Resistance Movement Hamas has condemned the decision of the U.S. State Department to add Hamas leader in Gaza Fathi Hammad to its “global terrorist” list.

In a press statement on Friday, Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri deemed the step a serious development that constitutes yet another proof of the consistent US bias towards Israel.

“The U.S. State Department decision provides cover to the continuous Israeli crimes against the Palestinians,” Abu Zuhri remarked.

Hamas called upon the U.S. administration to retract the listing and stop such inflammatory decisions that are provocative to the emotions of peoples.

Hammad is a Hamas leader and an active social figure in the Gaza Strip. He has also served as the interior minister of the legitimate Palestinian government until the formation of the consensus government in June 2014.