Subscribe to Print Edition | Mon., February 11, 2008 Adar1 5, 5768 | | Israel Time: 08:15 (EST+7) web haaretz.com   Back to Homepage Rosner's Domain Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Advertising Books Arts & Leisure Business Real Estate Easy Start Travel Week's End Anglo File

Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh (AP) Last update - 18:30 10/02/2008 Hamas closes newspaper over caricature of MPs loyal to group By The Associated Press A Hamas-dominated court ordered a Palestinian newspaper on Sunday to halt distribution and publication in the Gaza Strip after a cartoon on its back page mocked legislators loyal to the militant group, officials said The cartoon was published last November and poked fun at the Hamas-led Gaza government, and its leader, Ismail Haniyeh. The newspaper al-Ayyam is published privately but has close ties to the rival Fatah party of President Mahmoud Abbas. Advertisement Al-Ayyam is printed in the West Bank, making it unlikely to halt work, but it will now be unable to distribute some 3,500 copies of newspapers in Gaza. The newspaper employs 32 people in the Gaza Strip, said deputy manager Mahdi Masri. "Their safety will be our utmost priority," Masri said in a telephone interview from the West Bank. In the cartoon, a caricature by artist Baha Bukhari showed a parliamentary session where Haniyeh is speaking to a row of legislators who all look like him and carry photos of him. In the bottom right corner, it is written, the illegitimate. Hamas has ruled Gaza since overrunning Abbas' forces there last June. After the Hamas takeover, Abbas established a separate government in the West Bank. Both governments have claimed to be the only legitimate rulers of Gaza. Hassan Abu Hashish, an official in the Hamas-led Ministry of Information, said the newspaper violated publishing laws by offending the Palestinian legislature and its symbolism. Hamas policemen briefly halted distribution of al-Ayyam last year, but this was the first formal action the group has taken to halt publication of a rival newspaper. Hamas policemen have also harassed and beaten reporters it considers hostile to the group. Bukhari, who has worked for al-Ayyam for more than a decade, said he stood by the drawing. "I have a position. [Hamas] harmed the Palestinian cause," he said in a telephone interview from the West Bank. Abbas has also cracked down on reporters and newspapers considered loyal to Hamas in the West Bank. Related articles: Hamas forces attempt to arrest prominent Gaza journalist PA pulls Hamas TV children`s program with mock Mickey Mouse advocating violence Bookmark to del.icio.us   All in the family Tel Aviv municipality moves to retain contract with Gaza City as 'twin city.' Pining for a leader A documentary examines Ariel Sharon's motive for the Gaza disengagement.   1.   hamas,the true face,exposed again 17:42  |  terrornator 10/02/08   2.   Well, they have been talking to Mubarak lately of course 19:43  |  Mark B. 10/02/08   3.   yet again this reaction over a cartoon 20:19  |  vik 10/02/08   4.   WONDER how President Jimmy Carter will react? 20:42  |  PETER SM 10/02/08   5.   UN security council should consider death penalty to cartooners 21:18  |  Alain 10/02/08   6.   Haaretz journalism 21:23  |  US Observer 10/02/08   7.   Why Mohamedan`s always obsessed of Cartoons!? 03:58  |  Cristo 11/02/08

Today Online PM: Terror can't be wiped out in one fell swoop Responses: 80 PA negotiator: IDF escalation in Gaza will hurt peace talks Responses: 194 IDF: Hezbollah Katyushas, missiles back in S. Lebanon Responses: 99 Gaza and Israel - more like partners than enemies Responses: 63 Rosner's Domain Think Clinton won the Jewish vote in California? Think again McCain found a tool with which to woo conservative Republicans: Israel Why many Jewish men go beardless (WTR) New poll: Is it legitimate to cut electricity to Gaza? Factor: How's McCain better than Obama More Headlines 05:16 IDF to step up targeted killings of key Hamas men 08:08 Olmert, Barak want more time before ordering Gaza offensive 04:55 U.S. pushes Israel to accept proposed Egypt border deal 02:28 IDF imposes closure on Jenin to thwart would-be suicide bomber 08:14 IAF fires missile at two armed Palestinians in north Gaza 00:04 Hebron settlers, Arab clan chiefs said holding 'reconciliation talks' 01:34 Comptroller report: Schools in Haredi, Arab sectors dilapidated 22:03 Court rules to extradite alleged U.S. serial molester Mondrowitz 01:42 Gov't to cut number of foreign nurses caring for elderly 05:01 State won't relieve mortgage of Sderot's 'house hostages' 06:04 Haifa cable car, damaged during Lebanon War, reopens 23:06 AG: Single-sex couples may adopt child not biologically related to them Previous Editions Select Day 10 feb 08 feb 07 feb 06 feb 05 feb 04 feb 03 feb 01 feb 31 jan 30 jan 29 jan 28 jan

Special Offers Advertisement Fattal Hotel Chain Perfectly located hotels on best resorts of Israel. ISRAEL BONDS Build Israel Israel bonds - a multi-purpose way to celebrate Israel's 60th Dead Sea Salt Beauty and skin care from the Dead Sea. Coupon code HAARETZ for 10% off! Eldan Rent a Car Israel's leading car rental company offers you a 20% discount on all online reservations U.S. CITIZEN IN ISRAEL Register now to vote in national election. Do not wait. Junkyard Junk a car - get free towing nationwide and a tax-deductible receipt

Home | TV | Print Edition | Diplomacy | Opinion | Arts & Leisure | Sports | Jewish World | Underground | Site rules |

© Copyright  Haaretz. All rights reserved