RAMALLAH
The Palestinian Authority Interior Ministry in Ramallah has begun issuing identity cards for citizens that don't specify the bearer's religion.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued the decision, according to which religion will not be specified on Palestinian identity cards and passports, so that citizens won't be treated based on their beliefs, Palestinian Interior Ministry Undersecretary Hassan Elwi told Anadolu Agency.
Religion was first included on Palestinian IDs in 1995 "at Israel's insistence," Elwi said, adding that the self-proclaimed Jewish state had not objected to the latest Palestinian decision.
By Qais Abu Samra
englishnews@aa.com.tr
