Authorities in Germany’s Berlin imposed a ban on the Palestinian keffiyeh scarves in faculties, claiming that it might pose a risk to peace, amid Israel’s ongoing inhumane blockade in opposition to the Gaza Strip, the place civilians are trapped with nowhere to go.
“Any demonstrative behavior or expression of opinion that can be understood as advocating or approving the attacks against Israel or supporting the terrorist organizations that carry them out, such as Hamas or Hezbollah, represents a threat to school peace in the current situation and is prohibited,” Education Senator Katharina Guenther-Wuensch mentioned in a letter to varsities.
Besides direct symbols of Hamas or Hezbollah, in addition to depictions and statements glorifying violence, the ban additionally extends “symbols, gestures and expressions of opinion that do not yet reach the limit of criminal liability” which incorporates the keffiyeh.
The official additionally outlawed “free Palestine” stickers with inscriptions or a map of Israel within the colours of Palestine.
“Such actions and symbols endanger school peace in the current situation,” Guenther-Wuensch mentioned.
Clashes are mentioned to have taken place at faculties within the German capital in latest days due to Israel’s huge bombing on Gaza.
Critics say the actions by the authorities violate constitutional rights, freedom of affiliation, and the suitable to reveal.
Earlier this week, Initiative Palestine accused Berlin police of banning pro-Palestinian rallies “on racist grounds.”
“However, we will not be silenced. We will inform about upcoming steps to bring (the) Palestine (issue) to the streets of Berlin,” the group mentioned on its web site.
Palestinian group Hamas launched Operation Al-Aqsa Flood in opposition to Israel on Saturday, a multi-pronged shock assault that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by way of land, sea and air.
In retaliation, the Israeli army then launched Operation Swords of Iron in opposition to Hamas targets inside the Gaza Strip.
A logo of Palestinian nationalism, the keffiyeh’s historical past goes again to the Arab revolt in Palestine within the Thirties.
Source: www.dailysabah.com