The Hamas government in the Gaza Strip released its first major motion picture in an effort to transform a small lot in the embattled territory into an Islamic Hollywood. The film, produced by Hamas with $200,000 over 10-months, depicts the story of 23-year old Hamas commander Emad Akel who was killed in 1993 by Israeli soldiers. Israeli officials suspect Akel of murdering 11 IDF soldiers, one Israeli, and at least four Palestinian informers. Akel received the nickname “the ghost” for his numerous disguises, including one instance where he transformed himself into a yarmulke-wearing settler.
The film producers sought to glorify resistance to Israel while also adhering to Islamic themes. The women in the film all wear headscarves and completely cover their bodies while refraining from any potentially inappropriate contact with the male actors. Hamas Interior Minister Fathi Hamad said,
“We are trying to make quality art that is Islamic and about the resistance, without provocative (sexual) scenes.”
The focus on religious themes parallels the Hamas mentality of resistance and Islamism. The group’s charter advocates resistance as the only means to establishing an Islamic state.
Aside from the Islamic themes, the film clearly represents propaganda against Israel. The crowd during the premier reportedly cheered when Hamas gunmen fired upon Israeli soldiers. Moreover, the film depicts the soldiers as boors who intend to bring immorality to Gaza through alcohol and sex. Similarly, the film portrays current Israeli Defense Minister Ehud Barack as a buffoon constantly reprimanded by former Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin.
Photo taken from www.ynetnews.com.
