Hamas Imposing "Sharia" In Palestinian Territory?

Where to begin? A faction of Hamas is widely reported to have slaughtered a woman and brutally beat a man who were betrothed to each other because they were suspected of "immoral behavior." (As always, the woman is treated much more harshly than the man.) Others suggest it was maybe a political killing among factions and that lawlessness is spreading throughout PA. This could all help PA head Abbas in the upcoming elections, not to get coldly political about it. Sadly, under Islamic law the couple were married -- though their wedding hadn't taken place yet they had already exchanged marriage certificates. The Independent of UK weighs in -- and keep in mind most British press is strongly weighted towards the Palestinians.

Hamas explained the tragedy by saying there was a mistaken "suspicion of immoral behavior," implying the obvious -- that if the couple had been immoral, gunning them down would have been perfectly fine. Then, in truly ballsy fashion, Hamas tried to claim the woman they'd slaughtered as a martyr!

The families refused to accept the condolences of Hamas and gunfire was exchanged by factions at the funerals. Hamas's final justification:

"Palestinian law allows crimes to happen like adultery and wine drinking. There have been recent increases in these crimes and no one is punished," said a spokesman. Oh, well then.