"This is necessary in order to uphold law and order," Hamas police said
on April 26. "In addition, the party will sign a commitment to respect the
law and to ban the perpetration of any illegal actions, to infringe on
public morals, fire in the air, or incite."
The regulation was said to suspended a 1998 PA law that permitted
peaceful assembly. The PA law was often violated by the then-Fatah-led
government, which in 2000 ordered a ban on public gatherings without
permission.
"PCHR is extremely concerned by the decision of the Police Force of the
dismissed government in Gaza stipulating the acquisition of a permit prior
to holding public assemblies or celebrations," the Palestinian Center for
Human Rights said. "The center views this decision as a violation of the
right to peaceful assembly that is protected by the Basic Law and the Public
Assemblies Law for the Year 1998, which calls for notifying the police
rather than obtain a permit."
Hamas authorities have also restricted weddings and other social events.
On April 13, police in the Shati refugee camp outside Gaza City ordered all
social halls to require permission to stage a celebration.
Palestinian sources said the police order was meant to prevent
opposition activities during the summer in the Gaza Strip. The sources said
many weddings have turned into Fatah protests against the Hamas regime.