Maybe the newly beardless ones can also pick up some of the large amounts of American aid that will soon be raining upon Fatah. By Ali Waked for Ynet News, with thanks to Morgaan Sinclair:
The tensions in Gaza were felt all the way in the West Bank city of Qalqiliya where merchants in the local marketplace decided not only to mark down prices but also shave off their beards.
“Nowadays a beard is no longer a religious decree, it’s a clear and present danger,” one of the merchants told Ynet. “Fatah harasses anyone with a beard and beats them, so may Allah forgive us if we remove ours to stay safe. As it is the beard is optional and not mandatory,” he said.
In Ramallah last weekend three French citizens were badly beaten by Fatah men who suspected them of being affiliated with Hamas due to their facial hair. Hamas meanwhile has accused Fatah of persecuting the religion of Islam and subsequently anyone who looks religious due to his appearance.