Hamas leader says how great things are in Gaza - no occupation, booming economy, easy travel

The mainstream media, NGOs and the UN describe Gaza as: Occupied by Israel Under siege An economic mess dependent on outside aid A prison where no one can enter or leave without Israel's permission

Hamas leader Mahmoud Zahar tells Arab media a different story:Seven years after Israel disengaged from the Gaza Strip, several things have changed both at the political and the economic level, Hamas official Mahmoud Zahhar said Friday.

Speaking to Ma’an, Zahhar asserted that "Gaza is free of occupation, and contiguity with the outside world is easier as visitors from all over the world visited the coastal enclave.”

He said the economic situation has improved noticeably and the Gaza Strip became self-reliant in several aspects because lands in former Israeli settlements were planted. "We are self-dependent in several aspects except petroleum and electricity.” (continue reading...)