Egypt minister admits validity of documents leaked by Al-Jazeera regarding Hamas

The Egyptian Minister of Interior General Mohamed Ibrahim acknowledged the validity of a leaked document which exonerates Hamas from accusations of militant activity in Sinai.

The document, leaked by the Egyptian Military Intelligence and published by Al-Jazeera, exonerates the Palestinian movement Hamas from any “intervention in the security affairs of Sinai” as repeatedly alleged by the Egyptian military. Moreover, the document recommends enhancing communications with Hamas.

In a press conference Sunday, Ibrahim said that the leaked document includes “issues related to national security.”

The document dates back to May 2013, two months prior to the ouster of former President Mohamed Morsi by the military. According to Al-Jazeera, the document is composed of 17 pages, and includes recommendations to address some of the problematic issues in Sinai, and emphasizes on the importance of intensifying communications with Hamas leaders to cooperate in securing the borders with Gaza. The document made no reference to any Muslim Brotherhood activity in Sinai.