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.