A round-up of today's other world news stories in brief
Hamas bans men working in hair salons
GAZA – The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas yesterday banned men in the Gaza Strip from working in women’s hair salons.
“The Palestinian authorities [in Gaza] have decided to ban men from working in women’s beauty parlours following instructions from interior minister Fathi Hammad,” said a statement from the police force in Gaza.
Over the last three years, several beauty parlours and hair salons in the Gaza Strip have been the target of explosions and other attacks. – (Reuters)
Environmental award for Dimas
BRUSSELS – The European Environmental Bureau (EEB) has presented former EU environment commissioner Stavros Dimas with its Twelve Stars Award for his work for Europe’s environment.
EEB president Mikael Karlsson said Mr Dimas had been “the most open and accessible commissioner ever . . . Most importantly, he listened and acted. His proactive work to strengthen biodiversity and his dedication to fighting climate change are testament to this.” – (Reuters)
Four ferries stuck in Baltic Sea ice
STOCKHOLM – Four passenger ferries with more than 1,000 people on board were trapped in ice in the Baltic Sea yesterday, according to Sweden’s sea rescue service.
The Swedish Maritime Administration said 1,133 passengers and crew were on the four ships, which were stuck just off the Swedish coast. Rescue spokesman Peter Lindquist said no one had been injured and there were no plans to evacuate the vessels, but rescue helicopters and military hovercraft were on stand-by. – (PA)