Gaza creates tourism police force

The Interior Ministry in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip is establishing a police force to protect tourist and hotel facilities after threats and attacks against some of those facilities by militants against the backdrop of holding mixed-gender concerts.
Palestinians watch the group Watar Band perform during a concert in Gaza City on Feb. 25, 2016.
Palestinians watch the group Watar Band perform during a concert in Gaza City on Feb. 25, 2016. Musicians and other entertainers have found it hard to make a name and living for themselves in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip as they struggle to find venues and instruments, let alone get permission to play. Also, there have been attacks on venues that allowed mixed-gender concerts. In part as a result, Gaza has formed a tourism police force to protect residents. - MOHAMMED ABED/AFP via Getty Images
Ahmad Abu Amer.jpg
Ahmad Abu Amer
@ahmedmajd1

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The commander of police in the Gaza Strip, Maj. Gen. Mahmoud Salah, announced Aug. 23 the Interior Ministry’s decision to establish a security force dubbed the “tourism police” to protect tourist and entertainment facilities in the coastal enclave. 

The announcement came during a meeting Salah held with representatives of the Palestinian Committee for Restaurants, Hotels and Tourism Services and owners of tourist facilities in the Gaza Strip. 

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