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Hamas seeks end of tensions with Egypt, prepares for new stage of ties: official

Xinhua, April 6, 2016 Adjust font size:

A senior Islamic Hamas movement leader said Wednesday that his group is seeking to end tensions with Egypt and prepares for launching a new stage of relationship with the Egyptian leadership.

Ismail Haneya, Hamas chief's deputy, told leaders of various Gaza-based factions and political bodies that "Hamas is keen to keep the ties with Egypt warm," adding "this is based on Hamas strategic vision."

A statement issued by Haneya's office in Gaza sent to reporters said that Haneya briefed the factions leaders on the latest rounds of dialogue held in Cairo between senior Hamas officials and high-ranking Egyptian security intelligence officials.

Leaders of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Fatah Party didn't attend the meeting held in Gaza between Haneya and leaders of other factions.

The statement also said that Haneya briefed his guests on the newest in the internal dialogue held in Doha between Fatah Party leaders and his movement's leaders to end the internal Palestinian split and achieve full reconciliation.

Meanwhile, Haneya denied that his movement is intervening into the internal affairs of Egypt, adding that "Hamas respects Egypt' national security and would never let anyone from Gaza to harm Egypt."

On Tuesday, Israeli media reports said that Egyptian President Abdul Fattah Sisi agreed with President Abbas to expand the Gaza Strip area by providing large areas of lands from the Egyptian Peninsula of Sinai.

Haneya said that Hamas rejects any solution to the Palestinian cause on the expense of the Egyptian territories, adding "Hamas has no security or military role in Egypt at all."

On Tuesday, Nabil Abu Rdineh, an aide to President Abbas said in an official statement that the Israeli media reports are denied and totally untrue.

"These reports are certainly fabricated and totally untrue," he said, adding "President Abbas and President Sisi are exerting all their efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state on the territories occupied by Israel in 1967. Endit