Hamas

Mideast Palestinians _Lea.jpg

Isra Almodallal, 23, the first spokeswoman for Hamas, the conservative Islamist group that rules the Gaza Strip, talks on her cellphone at her office during an interview at the Hamas Information Ministry in Gaza City. The appointment of Ms. Almodallal by Hamas, which at times has sought to curb women’s freedoms, indicates an attempt by the group to project a new, friendlier face abroad. (AP Photo/Adel Hana)