Lebanon’s Social Affairs Minister Wael Abu Faour Saturday expressed hope that Palestinians may feel some sense of comfort from the passing of former Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, a figure widely despised in Lebanon.

“Perhaps the souls of the martyrs from the Sabra and Shatila massacres can get a bit of comfort from the death of Sharon,” Abu Faour said, according to a statement. “There should be no gloating in death, even when it’s of a criminal,” he said, adding that “with the passing of Sharon, there is now less evil in this world." (Ynet)