In first Gaza order, Hamas bans masks for gunmen

GAZA, June 16 (Reuters) In their first order since seizing control of the Gaza Strip, Hamas Islamists banned gunmen from wearing masks -- unless they are shooting at Israel.

The masks have become commonplace in the Gaza Strip during weeks of factional fighting between the ruling Hamas movement and President Mahmoud Abbas's secular Fatah faction.

Both sides wore the masks to hide their identities.

''A decision was taken last night to prevent (people from wearing) masks,'' Khaled Abu Hilal, a spokesman for the Hamas-controlled Interior Ministry, said.

Hamas made one exception, for militants carrying out cross-border attacks on Israel.

''Wearing masks should only be near the borders and in fighting the Zionist enemy, not in the streets and near people's homes,'' Abu Hilal said.

REUTERS HK PM1919