Hamas has announced that they decided to appoint the first female spokesperson to address the western media, as part of a new strategy in order to obtain more positive publicity from the international press. The new Hamas spokeswoman, Israa Al Mudallal, a 23-year-old journalist, referred to the challenges that Hamas faces shortly after her appointment. “Due to the style of the western and Israeli media, I will work in order to change the media approach in order to provide a fresh picture on Palestinian life in Gaza,” she told the Al Sharq Al Aswat publication.
She stated that she understands that in order to achieve the goals set for herself that it may take many years of hard work. “I will present issues in a more humane form, even if senior level Palestinian officials don’t understand the language and the style.” She stated, “In the west, they don’t understand the religious discourse as they do the personal discourse.”
The appointment of Al Mudallal caused great interest in the Arabic language media and in Gaza, putting an unknown woman at center stage. Until now, only one woman has served in the Hamas government, Jamilla Al Shanti, the Palestinian Minister of Women’s Affairs in the Gaza Strip. The new Hamas spokeswoman has an unusual background on the Palestinian scene. She lived in Great Britain and studied at Bradford College. Al Mudallal emphasized that her time spent in Great Britain enhanced her understanding of western culture.
Al Mudallal is not content with her mastery of the English language, as she intends to study Hebrew in order to be able to follow the Israeli media. “I study the Israeli, western and American media.” She added, “I pass my time watching different channels.” So far, Hamas bars Gaza-based journalists from communicating with the Israeli media and senior level Hamas officials refuse to talk to Israelis.
The new spokeswoman’s approach may result in a change in the terrorist organizations’ policy. According to Al Mudallal, “If you allow me, I have no problem talking to Israelis.” To date, it appears that Hamas is not permitting her to speak with Israelis and she has been towed into line by Hamas. She recently refused to speak to Yedioth Achronot.
Using materials of the site the reference on GINSC with the indication of the author is obligatory The Portal GINSC is supported by the Kvinna til Kvinna Foundation
