Hamas Adds Restrictions on Schools and Israelis

In September, a new education law will be enforced in schools throughout the Gaza strip. The Palestinian territory is controlled by Hamas, a designated terrorist organization by the State of Israel, the US, and EU. The law calls for more separation of males and females in schools and prohibits any relations with Israelis. Its intention is to instill a sense of nationalism in young Palestinians and to ensure they are "committed to the Palestinian, Arab and Islamic culture." Yousef Al-Sherafi, a member of the education committee said, "One male staffer among 20 female teachers in a girls' school would not allow our sisters to feel comfortable."

Critics of the law say that it will not affect government schools, which are already separated between males and females. Rather, the law will limit the freedom of Christian and other non-Muslim schools, who would be punished for maintaining a relationship with Israel.

Read the article here. 

Commentary: This article is written from a relatively unbiased point-of-view but, from a pro-Palestinian perspective, it does not take into consideration the countless injustices Palestinians are faced with on a daily basis by the Israeli government. Is it unfortunate that non-Muslims will be affected? Sure, but there are more pressing battles that need to be fought and a population with a sense of nationalism is a valuable weapon. Let's not forget that children all over the United States stand with their hand over their hearts and recite the national anthem everyday.