An Islamic Court run by Hamas in the Gaza Strip ruled that women need permission from a male guardian in order to travel. The decision was issued on Sunday by the Sharia Judicial Council.
Under the ruling, an unmarried woman can not travel unless she has permission from her father or older male relative. The man would not be required to travel with the woman. In addition, the permission will need to be registered with the court. The language of the ruling implies that a married woman would require the permission of her husband, the Associated Press reported. The ruling also said that a man could be prevented from traveling by his father or grandfather if it would cause “grave harm,” according to the report.
The ruling comes in the wake of the announcement of upcoming Palestinian elections. It could help boost votes for Hamas among conservative voters.