RAMALLAH, May 11, 2017 (WAFA) – Nationalist and political figures Thursday slammed Hamas for not allowing Nakba commemoration in the Gaza Strip.
Member of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization Zakaria Agha said that there are indications that Hamas is not going to allow the commemoration of the 69th anniversary of the Nakba, scheduled for Monday.
Agha told Voice of Palestine that the decision to prevent the commemoration of the Nakba is not proper, adding that “it is shameful that such activities that enjoy national consensus are banned.”
Meanwhile, the Islamic Jihad also denounced Hamas for banning Nakba anniversary commemorations in Gaza.
Islamic Jihad official Ahmad al-Ouri told Voice of Palestine that it does not make sense that Hamas bans Nakba commemoration or any other national activity. He described Hamas’ decision as a violation of the basic law and freedom of opinion and expression.
The Islamic Jihad expressed hope that Hamas would rescind its decision and allow commemoration of Nakba to keep this anniversary as a unifying anniversary for all Palestinians everywhere.
Secretary-General of the National Action Committee Mahmoud al-Ziq also said that Hamas continues to put obstacles in the way of plans to commemorate the Nakba.
Speaking to Voice of Palestine, Ziq said Hamas has told some governorates in Gaza not to mark this anniversary.
M.N./K.F./M.K.
