Palestinian women held a sit-in protest in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip Thursday, calling for more official and popular activities to prevent violence against them. Tens of women gathered in the Unknown Soldier Park in Gaza City, marking the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women. The demonstrators also held banners calling for passing new laws that provide more protection and rights to Palestinian women, who are exhausted by the Israeli closure. The Palestinian society 'is still witnessing high levels of violence against women,' said Amal Sayam, director of the Women Affairs Center of Gaza, during the protest. 