Why does the press still take Hamas statements seriously?

Has there ever been a bigger waste of newsprint and electrons than stories like this?

Not only because it is usually followed by atrocities like this. But the pattern is so predictable, the words so empty, the lies so egregious, that how can any self-respecting media outlet report it straight? Wouldn't it be better to say "Once again, a so-called moderate Hamas leader is hinting to the press that he might possibly consider being a little less murderous for a short period of time if Israel would completely and utterly surrender immediately"? Even a "Hamas has made such statements before, but its charter still calls for the destruction of Israel."

But every time a Hamas member makes such a ridiculous statement, thousands of media outlets trumpet it as a sign for peace, without the least bit of skepticism.