Gazans Slam Hamas Decision To Ban New Year Celebrations | MEMRI

On December 30, 2015, Hamas‘ police force announced a ban on holding New Year celebrations in restaurants, hotels and cafes in the Gaza Strip. Police spokesman Ayman al-Batniji explained that the ban was „meant to minimize as far as possible phenomena that contravene the heritage, customs, values and directives of Islam“ and also to demonstrate solidarity with the martyrs of the „Al-Quds intifada“ by avoiding celebrations. He condemned those who „are planning new year celebrations at a time when the Palestinian people are enduring hardship, a suffocating siege, and the death of martyrs in the intifada.“[1]