The terrorist group Hamas launched its new television station, Al Aqsa TV, on January 7, 2006.

Modeled after Al Manar, which is owned and operated by the Lebanese-based terrorist organization Hezbollah and watched throughout the Arab world, Al Aqsa TV is the first private television station in the Gaza Strip. 

Al Aqsa TV's director, Fathi Hammad, said the station is first to be set up by Hamas and will be affiliated with its popular radio station, the Voice of Al Aqsa.  Hamas, which seeks to destroy Israel and replace it with an Islamic state, is reportedly also working on a satellite version that could provide the group a wider reach, like Hezbollah's Al Manar TV. "Their success encouraged us," said Hammad.

Based out of undisclosed location in the Gaza Strip, Al Aqsa TV will likely help Hamas broaden its role in Palestinian society and politics; Hamas will participate in general elections for the first time on January 25.

The station currently broadcasts 12 hours a day and its programming consists mostly of readings from the Koran and discussions of women's issues.

The Palestinian Authority granted Hamas a broadcast license covering both radio and television in 2003.  The group also runs various Web sites.