The Gaza Strip-ruling Hamas authorities on Monday banned the holding of a conference for the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) in Gaza, organizers said, Xinhua reported.
  
The workshop was aimed to discuss the journalism ethics and put standards for the media in the Palestinian territories.
  
The two-day discussions have started in the West Bank but the journalists in Gaza were unable to link with their colleagues there via video conference after Hamas authorities ordered the meeting hall's administration to shut it down, said Munir Za'rour, the IFJ coordinator.
  
"We have received orders from Hamas' government in Gaza not to hold the meeting," Za'rour told Xinhua. He added that Hamas' authorities did not inform the organizers about the reasons behind the banning.
  
Tens of journalists who have gathered at the Roots Restaurant in Gaza for the conference have left the place with disappointment after being told about the Hamas authorities' decision.
  
Hamas' governmental press office said in a statement that it had stopped the conference because the IFJ did not arrange with the government.
  
"Any public activities by international sides require notification, information and coordination with the relevant official sides in Gaza," the statement said.
  
Meanwhile, a Gaza-based human rights group slammed Hamas for preventing the conference and called for investigation.
  
The Al-Mezan Center for Human Rights said that the ban was "a serious violation" of the right of freedom and expression, especially as the workshop was a peaceful gathering.
  
The center added that the law "doesn't call for even notifying the police about any indoor gatherings."
  
Hamas has been in control of Gaza since it routed forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in 2007.