The Palestinian Authority has hailed the killing of Osama bin Laden as a step towards overcoming the violent tactics of al-Qaida and other terrorist groups.

However, the comments by PA spokesman Ghassan Khatib came as jihadist groups vowed revenge for the death of their leader.

Mr Khatib said: "Getting rid of bin Laden is good for the cause of peace worldwide.

"But what counts is to overcome the discourse and the methods - the violent methods - that were created and encouraged by bin Laden and others in the world."

However less than a week after the terrorist organisation agreed to a reconciliation agreement with Fatah, a Hamas spokesman said bin Laden’s death should be seen as the "assassination of an Arab holy warrior."

Hamas leader and Palestinian Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said the operation was "the continuation of the American oppression and shedding of blood of Muslims and Arabs."

He said he hoped bin Laden's soul would rest in peace.

In Britain, hate preacher Anjem Choudhary said: "Rather than dampening the spirits of those who are today engaged in jihad physically around the world, his death will merely act as an incentive to prove to the world that the death of anyone will not affect them."