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Palestinian Authority approves Hamas TV station in Gaza

Special to World Tribune.com
MIDDLE EAST NEWSLINE
Thursday, January 12, 2006

GAZA CITY — The Palestinian Authority has allowed Hamas to expand its media in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

The PA has enabled Hamas to establish a television station in the Gaza Strip. Al Aqsa television began broadcasting from Gaza City on Jan. 8 in the first step toward the establishment of a Hamas satellite network.

For more than a year, Hamas has been operating a radio station, also called Al Aqsa. Under chairman Mahmoud Abbas, the PA has also enabled Hamas to establish a range of publications and websites.

Hamas said the television station would lead to the establishment of a satellite station. Hamas sources said the station would be based on the Lebanese-based Al Manar.

Al Aqsa television was expected to promote Hamas candidates in the Palestinian Legislative Council elections on Jan. 25. So far, most of the broadcasts consist of Koran readings.

So far, Al Aqsa broadcasts could be viewed only in the Gaza Strip. Hamas sources said over the next few months the movement would seek to enhance transmission to include the West Bank.

Hamas has also expanded its print media. The movement's weekly Al Risala announced that it would begin publishing twice a week. Al Risala has been regarded as the leading opposition publication in the PA and over the last few weeks has been used to promote Hamas legislative candidates.


Copyright © 2005 East West Services, Inc.

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