![Frame grab from Saudi-owned television network MBC (Middle East Broadcasting Center) shows alleged terror mastermind Osama bin Laden Frame grab from Saudi-owned television network MBC (Middle East Broadcasting Center) shows alleged terror mastermind Osama bin Laden](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090114201404im_/http://www.voanews.com/english/images/AFP-Osama-bin-Laden-14Nov08-190.jpg) |
Frame grab from Saudi-owned television network MBC (Middle East Broadcasting Center) shows alleged terror mastermind Osama bin Laden |
A new audiotape attributed to Osama bin Laden is calling on Muslims to
launch a jihad, or holy war, to stop Israel's offensive in the Gaza
Strip.
The tape was posted Wednesday on Islamist Web sites where al-Qaida usually issues its messages.
The authenticity of the tape could not be immediately verified.
A
White House spokesman, Gordon Johndroe, said the tape appears to show
bin Laden's isolation and his efforts to stay relevant "at a time when
al-Qaida's ideology, mission and agenda are being questioned and
challenged throughout the world."
The spokesman said the tape also looks like a bid to raise money in what he called al-Qaida's ongoing propaganda campaign.
Some information for this report was provided by AFP, AP and Reuters.