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Gaza resort attacked for holding mixed-gender concert

A group of masked men bombed a tourist resort in the Gaza Strip for holding a concert for both men and women, which raises questions on whether fundamentalists are once again gaining the upper hand in the coastal enclave.
Palestinian singer Reem Talhami from the West Bank sings with choir members, who attend an UNRWA-funded school, during a performance in Gaza City, Gaza Strip, April 23, 2013.

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Five unknown individuals attacked Aug. 5 a tourist resort in the northern Gaza Strip with an explosive device, causing part of the wall surrounding the seaside tourist site to collapse. There were no casualties. The attackers wanted to prevent the holding of a mixed-gender concert.

The Bianco Resort, one of Gaza’s most luxurious tourist sites, opened its doors for visitors in July. It is a private investment project built on an area of 12 dunams (3 acres) and employs some 120 workers.

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