GAZA, May 24, 2010 (WAFA)- Hamas prohibited Monday a sit-in that had been arranged by the Palestinian NGOs Network (PNGO) in protest of yesterday's despicable attack on an UNRWA summer camp site on Gaza beach.

The sit-in was scheduled to take place at 12.30pm today opposite the attacked site. In addition, Hamas prohibited a workshop that had been arranged by the Palestinian Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR).

The workshop aimed to discuss the reality of human rights and freedoms in Gaza in light of ICHR's annual report on the issue.

Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights condemned the prohibition of these activities and demands that the Gaza Government respect the law.

According to information collected by Al Mezan, a person who identified himself as being from the Palestinian police called PNGO office in Gaza City and informed them that a previously arranged sit-in opposite to UNRWA summer camps site was prohibited. He did not provide any reasons behind the police prohibition of the activity.

A number of the organizers and participants in the sit-in had arrived at the location; however, they were surprised by the heavy presence of the Hamas police there. They prevented them from even standing at the place. Some of the participants informed Al Mezan that members of the police told them that they had strict instructions to prevent the sit-in. It is important to note that PNGO had sent a letter to the chief of the police, in accord with Palestinian law, informing him of the organization of the sit-in.

Al Mezan views the prohibition of these two activities by the security forces in Gaza with great concern. The activities were organized in full compliance with Palestinian law. The conduct of the security forces represents serious infringement upon the freedom of peaceful assembly and free expression, and a violation of the provisions of the Public Meetings Law, number 12 of 1998. It must be highlighted that the organizers of the sit-in did inform the police of the activity. Besides, the ICHR workshop was to take place indoors, which in this case does not require any procedure; not even informing the police.

Al Mezan therefore called on Hamas to stop these serious developments and procedures which violate public freedoms; particularly the freedom to peaceful assembly, and to guarantee the full respect of the law. These violations must not be allowed to go unnoticed. These kind of violations must not be taken lightly, regardless of their motives.