The Hamas regulation came in wake of numerous denials by the Islamic
regime in the Gaza Strip of plans to impose a dress code for females.
Hamas has also established a so-called modesty police aimed to prevent the
mixing of sexes at beaches or unmarried couples in cars.
Under the dress code, the head covering of the girls must be white. The
color of the robe was mandated for blue.
"The uniform should be as follows: Navy blue jilbab with white headscarf
and black or white shoes," a Hamas announcement said. "We request that all
girls follow these instructions."
Officials said the Education Ministry has banned the employment of male
teachers at girls schools and women teachers in boys schools. The
regulations would directly affect the 250,000 students of government
schools, which began the academic year on Aug. 23.
On Aug. 24, Palestinian sources said several girls were sent home when
they arrived to school in jeans. The sources said Christian girls in
government schools were also forced to observe the Muslim dress code.
In 2009, Hamas, amid the rise of Al Qaida, imposed Islamic law on the
Gaza Strip, including forcing female attorneys to wear Islamic dress. Hamas
has also been pressing the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, with
200,000 enrolled in its school system, to abide by the regulations.
Hamas spokesman Taher Al Nunu said the dress code was meant to reduce
social tension in school. Al Nunu said parents had complained that they were
unable to purchase expensive clothes for their daughters.
