The sources said all of the entertainment complexes were built under the
auspices of Hamas. They said Hamas police patrol the facilities to ensure
that Islamic mores were being obeyed.
Some of the facilities were designed for devout Muslim families,
believed to comprise a majority of the 1.5 million residents of the Gaza Strip. At Al
Bustan near Gaza City, women must wear veils to enjoy the swimming pools,
restaurants and cafes.
In contrast, Hamas has also allowed the development of resorts for more
secular-minded Muslims. They included Crazy Water Park, with three swimming
pools and often frequented by those who work for foreign non-governmental
organizations.
The sources said the Interior Ministry has played a major role in
approving and selecting the locations of the entertainment facilities. They
said most of the entrepreneurs were connected to the Hamas regime.
"The idea is that every area of the Gaza Strip has some form of
recreation so that there is not an imbalance," the source said.
The Interior Ministry has sponsored Bissan City, a 46-acre zoo and
entertainment park. The facility, built on a former garbage dump, has
catered to families with children.
The sources said Iran, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates have helped
fund the new entertainment facilities. They said Hamas has been alarmed by
the rise in youth crime, which included drug trafficking, smuggling and
extortion.
"It is very important that ordinary youngsters have something to do,"
the source said. "Otherwise, tension will grow and there will trouble."
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