Hamas wants satellite station

New station expected to go on air following Palestinian elections, leading Hamas figure says

Hamas is planning on setting up a satellite television station, according to Sheikh Ismail Haniya, a senior figure in the group.

Haniya says the station will begin to operate after the Palestinian general elections.

The leading Hamas member said the group had been weighing the establishment of an independent station for a long period, but economic and local political problems have so far prevented the plan from going ahead.

Haniya said the station will broadcast Hamas’ positions to the Palestinian territories, as well as to other areas.

"We believe there is room for a Hamas satellite station in order to open the movement through a wider scope to the Palestinian people, and so that the movement will be more open for Arab countries, and the international community in general," Haniya said.

He added, however, that his comments did not imply that Hamas has been a closed movement up until now.

"We are willing to have relations with anyone who is willing to support Palestinian interests and help the Palestinian people to regain its rights," Haniya said. He also noted the move to create a station did not signify Hamas’ disappointment with Arab stations.

“The Arab satellite stations operating in the territories are open stations that allow freedom of speech to all sides, including us in the Hamas, who enjoyed extensive freedom of expression,” he said.

Fatah: Crisis continues

While Hamas plans to expand, the crisis in Fatah continues following its split last week. Fatah’s women movement has announced that it is freezing its activity in the general elections, and expressed disappointment with the way Fatah selected its official party list. Many believe that the youth and women’s organizations will only back lists headed by Marwan Barghouti and Muhammad Dahlan.

Meanwhile, PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas decided to position a jailed Fatah member at the top of Fatah’s list, in a bid to try and gain the support of Palestinian security prisoners and their families.