GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — If the Hamas-run Interior Ministry has its way, there'll be no more dancing in the streets of the Gaza Strip. On Nov. 16, the ministry issued a regulation prohibiting parties and other events on public thoroughfares beginning in January. If the restriction is implemented, a Palestinian tradition will disappear. Based on the controversy the decision has generated, however, it will be difficult to enforce, especially given the small number of affordable indoor alternative venues.

The controversy is playing out on social media and in other forums, as the decision affects not only parties, but also wedding receptions and the tradition of holding funereal gatherings on public streets and property, with hundreds in attendance. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether Gazans are willing to accept the decision, which is similar to previous bans issued by the Interior Ministry, including one in April, or whether the ministry will be able to implement it.

Ministry officials claim that they are acting in response to frequent noise complaints. Big public events often disturb people who are in poor health and students who need to study, in addition to inconveniencing others when major streets are sometimes closed down.

Ayman al-Batniji, a spokesman for the Gaza police, told Al-Monitor that the decision does not affect parties in enclosed areas or away from main roads as long as they do not disturb residents. The move aims to prevent encroachment on public property, including hourlong street closures and blaring music that bothers residents, especially at night. Batniji said the police will be charging offenders, particularly those who rent out audio equipment.