Hamas woos hearts and minds of Gazans
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GAZA CITY — Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip three years ago but is now worried that the Islamist movement has been losing the hearts and minds of the Palestinian territory’s 1.5 million residents.
Seeking to regain the popularity lost through political repression and the often heavy hand of its police, Hamas has embarked on a door-to-door public relations campaign called “Communication and Affection.”
The charm offensive, due to wrap up at year end, is the second time Hamas has gone courting public opinion since it ousted forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas’ secular Fatah party in deadly street fighting in 2007.
By mobilizing party officials and even government members to visit homes and sit down with people, Hamas aims to “restore its popularity and clarify some of its policies,” spokesman Taher al-Nunu told AFP.
“We have taken notice of the excesses of the security services and police, and of rumors about that within Palestinian public opinion,” said Nunu, whose party scored a surprise victory in Palestinian elections in 2006.
“That is why this campaign was necessary to strengthen relations with citizens and to remind them of services provided.”.... MORE
Source: The Daily Tribune
URL: http://www.tribuneonline.org/commentary/20101130com3.html
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