Hamas termed Valentine's Day to be forbidden by the Muslim religion, but police did not interfere with shopkeepers who displayed heart-shaped decorations Thursday. Saudi Arabia has outlawed observing the holiday.

The holiday was unknown in Gaza until several years ago when worldly residents returned from trips abroad. "We are by nature a religious people and hate and reject all strange things," Hamas police spokesman Islam Shahwan told the Associated Press. "(But) we don't kill adulterers or gays or cut off the hands of thieves."