- The Washington Times - Tuesday, February 12, 2013

The terrorist organization Hamas has launched its own news group, Al Rai, which means Opinion, with a staff of 15 writers who will “focus on the Palestinian issue, and Arab and international news relating to this issue,” according to the agency’s spokesman.

Hamas — designated a Foreign Terrorist Organization since 1997 by the U.S. State Department — controls the Gaza.

“The first official news agency of the [Hamas] government has been established … under the supervision of the government information office,” said office director Salameh Maaruf, in an Israel National News report. “It will be an important source of information on government activities, news releases and letters from the [Gaza] prime minister.”

The news group will also report on views and activities of rival group Fatah, Mw. Maaruf said, in the Israel National News report. Fatah is headed by Mahmoud Abbas, chairman of the Palestinian Authority.

• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.

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