Hamas bans nightly gatherings, including Ramadan festivities, to curb COVID

As coronavirus infections continue to rise in the Gaza Strip, Hamas authorities ban nightly gatherings — including Ramadan celebrations — in an attempt to curb the spike.

The new rules will see a nightly curfew instituted beginning this Thursday, April 22. All foot and vehicle traffic will be banned after the call to prayer at sunset echoes throughout the Strip, indicating that it is time to break the Ramadan fast.

Mosques will be closed as well after the evening prayer. Ramadan normally sees Palestinian Muslims observe the so-called taraweeh prayers in their mosques and public spaces, long Quranic recitations which can extend long into the night.

Gaza saw 1556 new coronavirus infections today, the Gaza Health Ministry reports. Around 37% of coronavirus tests came back positive, indicating that many cases are likely going undetected.