Hamas on Friday issued a statement mourning the death of Nashat Milhem, the terrorist from Tel Aviv who was eliminated by Israeli security forces in Arara.

In the statement, the terrorist group praised Milhem as a “shahid” – martyr.

“Hamas mourns the martyr hero Nashat Milhem, who confused Israel for more than a week after he shattered the myth that Israel brags about and carried out an attack in the heart of the enemy,” said Hamas spokesman Husam Badran.

“Nashat is an example of the free Palestinian who sacrificed his life as protection of his people. In his bravery he confirmed the unity of our people wherever they are,” he added.

The Islamic Jihad terrorist group, meanwhile, condemned Israel for killing Milhem and threatened that “Israel will pay for its crimes”.

“It is our people’s right to resist Israel and its terrorist activities. The sons of the intifada will continue in their way to protect their people and their land,” said Islamic Jihad spokesman Daoud Shihab.

The comments come after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh mentioned Milhem in a speech he gave in Gaza on Thursday and in which he praised the terrorist for having been able to evade security forces.

“We do not know where he is but he is embarrassing the Zionists and making history,” Haniyeh said of Milhem and added, “He’s a hero who sowed the seed of death in the streets of Tel Aviv and brought life to our people.”

Just a week ago, Hamas welcomed the terrorist attack in Tel Aviv, saying, “The shooting attack in Tel Aviv at the start of the new year is a clear sign that the entire Zionist entity will be exposed to acts of resistance.”

(Arutz Sheva’s North American desk is keeping you updated until the start of Shabbat in New York. The time posted automatically on all Arutz Sheva articles, however, is Israeli time.)