The Hamas government in Gaza has banned residents of the coastal enclave from participating in the national reality singing show "New Star."
The first episode of "New Star," which follows the same format as popular US shows "American Idol" and "The X-Factor," was recorded in Gaza City via video link in December, and around 120 people turned up to audition.
But the successful contestants will not be able to continue in the competition as the Gaza government media office has since banned the talent show, which is produced by Ma'an TV network and broadcast on Ma'an-Mix satellite channel.
Hasan Abu Hashish, who heads the media office in the Hamas-run government, told Ma'an's public relations director Ala al-Abed that the program was "indecent."
The singing contest contradicts the customs and traditions of the Gaza community, Abu Hashish said, adding that singing was the passion of a few and not in the interests of the majority of the community.
Hamas doesn't like singing? Come on...they love to sing some songs: