Yesterday I posted how Hamas had decided to “limit interaction” with Christmas celebrations in Gaza , drawing sharp criticism from many palestinian Arabs, especially Christians living in the Gaza Strip, but not a mention in the mainstream media.
Now Hamas is attempting some pretty transparent damage control
The Hamas movement has reasserted the great stature of the Christians in the Gaza Strip, saying they are at the heart of the national fabric.
“We are proud of the historical relationship between our Palestinian people from Christians and Muslims,” Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said in a press release.
“They are at the heart of the national fabric … Together we have built a history and civilization for this people and together we are paying the price for our rooting inside this blessed soil over the years of our people’s long struggle against the Israeli occupation,” Barhoum added.
This statement by Hamas was issued after some websites and social media pages raised suspicions about the position of the Palestinian Awqaf Ministry in Gaza towards Christian citizens.
In response, the Awqaf Ministry clarified its position in this regard, saying the Christians in Palestine, especially in Gaza, are partners in the homeland, the cause and struggle.
“They have the right to hold their own religious ceremonies and it is not permissible for anyone to offend or restrain them. The government secures the holding of their rituals and provides protection for their churches and celebration places,” the Ministry said.
It affirmed that its internal correspondence has nothing to do with Christians holding their events, festivals and rituals, and that it was about guiding Muslims to their Islamic Sharia rulings with regard to the participation in religious events of non-Muslims.
“Reasserted the great stature of the Christians in the Gaza Strip.” Holy flowery language, Batman!
Who’s buying this?
No doubt the mainstream media, who I fully expect will cover this.
