GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — In an unprecedented move, Hamas-appointed Attorney General Ismail Jabr closed Gaza’s sole mobile phone provider, Jawwal, over charges of tax evasion.
In front of the company’s headquarters in central Gaza City on June 30, passers-by were shocked by notices on the walls and doors reading, "Jawwal Co. is closed upon the attorney general's order.” Police posted outside the offices prevented anyone from approaching.