Hamas considers creating Christian media center
A Christian leader in the Palestinian territories has called on Hamas to establish a media center to counter Western propaganda about the movement’s ties with Christians.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Father Manuel Musallam, head of the World Popular Organization for Jerusalem Justice and Peace, urged Hamas on April 13 to establish a Christian media center to defend the movement from claims that it mistreats Christians.
A few days earlier, the Palestinian Central Elections Commission published the final list of candidates for the legislative elections to be held in May. Hamas’ electoral list only included one Christian among its 132 candidates after several Christians withdrew.
Musallam revealed in a March 30 Interview with Hamas-affiliated Al-Resalah newspaper that several Christian candidates faced intimidation and pressure not to run from media outlets he did not name. He said that “upsetting and deceitful propaganda” is being used to tarnish Hamas’ image and its ties with Christians.
“Hamas has been unjustly targeted by a smear campaign,” Musallam added, saying that Hamas' media arms have failed to respond adequately.
