The restriction, imposed on Sunday by the Sharia High Council in Hamas-run Islamist Gazas, had drawn criticism from rights groups that said it violated Palestinian laws against sex-based discrimination.
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A Palestinian woman carrying her child is waiting to leave Gaza through the Rafah crossroads
(Photo: Reuters)
Protests also erupted outside the office of Hamas council chairman Hassan Jojo, who signed the law.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday, Jojo said: “We have agreed to redesign this rule.” He did not say whether the language prohibiting female travel without the consent of a male defender would be introduced. away.
Hamas leaders have once again denied any intention to impose Islamic law on 2 million Gaza Strip residents.
The Independent Commission for Human Rights (ICHR), a Palestinian rights group with offices in Gaza and the West Bank, said Sunday’s ruling “violates and undermines the dignity and rights of women”. in society.
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Hamas chief executive in the Gaza Strip, Ismail Haniya, waving the Palestinian flag during a rally in Gaza City
(Photo: AFP)
The ICHR also noted that Palestinian laws prohibit discrimination “on the grounds of race, sex, color, religion, political opinion, or disability”.
Reham Owda, a Palestinian political analyst and women’s rights expert, said the ruling may have been aimed at halting the recent rise in Gaza women seeking work outside the small coastal region, where earning 49%.
“The government in Gaza wanted to restrict (travel) and restrict the movement of ambitious women from leaving to look for a study or jobs, and escape Israeli blockade,” said Owda.
Israel and Egypt maintain restrictions on Mediterranean circulation, citing security concerns arising from Hamas rule.