Blackout for Hamas TV channel

The Hamas militant group’s TV channel says its France-based satellite provider is halting the station’s broadcasts to Europe this week.

Al-Aqsa TV director Mohammed Thuraya said he was informed overnight of the decision by the Norsat company. He says Norsat accused the station of spreading hatred.

Israeli critics frequently accuse al-Aqsa of inciting hatred against Jews, especially in its children’s programmes. The channel is popular with conservative Muslims for its Islamic programming, cartoons and talk shows.

Mr Thuraya says that if broadcasting is cut, the channel will lose 70% of its viewers in Europe, north Africa and parts of the Gulf.