Angered by Hamas ban, Gaza’s male hairdressers complain to human rights group

Gazan hairdressers protest Hamas restrictions

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Gaza’s male hairdressers have filed a complaint with a human rights group over a Hamas edict banning them from cutting women’s hair.

Gaza’s Islamic militant rulers announced the ban last week. It affects only five coiffeurs but highlights Hamas’ increasing attempts to impose a strict version of Islam in the already conservative Palestinian territory.

Hairdresser Hatem al-Ghoul says he and his colleagues have complained to the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, hoping to pressure the government to rescind the decision. The rights group said Tuesday it is seeking clarifications from Hamas.

Male hairdressers are in demand among women in Gaza’s upper middle class. Islamic custom bars women from exposing their hair to strangers.