'Hamas bans reality TV singing competition in Gaza'

A Gazan version of "X-Factor" is prohibited as Hamas says it "contradicts the customs and traditions of Gaza community."

By JPOST.COM STAFF
New Star 311 (photo credit: Screen shot: You Tube)
New Star 311
(photo credit: Screen shot: You Tube)
Hamas banned Gaza residents from taking part in a national reality  X-Factor style show called New Star, Palestinian news agency Ma'an reported Monday.
Hamas's reason for prohibiting the television show - produced by Ma'an TV- was that the program was "indecent," Ma'an reported.
RELATED:Hamas bans Fatah celebrationsPA bans Druse singer form Ramallah New Years bash"The contest contradicts the customs and traditions of the Gaza community... singing is a passion of a few and not in the interests of the majority of the community," Ma'an quoted the head of the Hamas media office, Hasan Abu Hashish as saying. 
The talent competition ran its first series in December with no intervention and some 120 New Star hopefuls showed up at the audition in Gaza City.