The Palestinian Islamist group Hamas has condemned Israel for preventing Christians living in Gaza from visiting their holy places in Jerusalem and Bethlehem for Christmas. In a statement, Hamas called Israel’s refusal to allow Gaza Christians to leave the besieged enclave “a flagrant violation of their right to practice their religion and visit their places of worship”. “Regarding these violations and racist practices which are repeated every year, we call on the United Nations, the international community, and rights organisations to take responsibility and stop these violations against our …