A Hamas-run Islamic court in the Gaza Strip has ruled that women require the permission of a male guardian to travel, further restricting movement in and out of the territory that has been blockaded by Israel and Egypt since the militant group seized power.
The rollback in women's rights could spark a backlash in Gaza at a time when the Palestinians plan to hold elections later this year. It could also solidify Hamas' support among its conservative base at a time when it faces criticism over living conditions in the territory it has ruled since 2007.
The decision by the Sharia Judicial Council, issued Sunday, says an unmarried woman may not travel without the permission of her "guardian," which would usually refer to her father or another older male relative. Permission would need to be registered at the court, but the man would not be required to accompany the woman on the trip.
The language of the ruling strongly implied that a married woman would not be able to travel without her husband's approval.
The edict also said that a man could be prevented from travelling by his father or grandfather if it would cause "grave harm." But the man would not need to seek prior permission, and the relative would have to file a lawsuit to prevent him from travelling.
