Hamas holds Egypt responsible for kidnapping in Sinai

Hamas said yesterday that it holds Egyptian authorities fully responsible for the abduction of four Palestinian from Gaza in the Sinai.

Abdel-Basit Abdel-Dayim, Abdullah Said Abdullah Abu Jibbeen, Yasir Fathi Misbah Zanoun and Hussein Khamis Al-Thabda were kidnapped on Wednesday evening when a bus, transporting approximately 50 Palestinians, travelling from Rafah on the Egypt-Gaza border to Cairo airport was ambushed.

Hamas “is making contact with the Egyptian security authorities to ensure they comply with their responsibilities in securing the lives of the abductees and return them to their country,” it said in a statement.

The four men entered Egypt through the Rafah Crossing having obtained all necessary consents, Hamas explained.

The movement described the incident as “security coup” and contrary to all “diplomatic norms”.

“The movement demands the immediate return of the abductees and to arrest the perpetrators so as not to affect Palestinian-Egyptian relations at a time when all parties are seeking to consolidate this relationship,” according to the statement.

“As part of our efforts to maintain positive relations, we will continue communications and to follow up on developments with the Egyptian official authorities to secure the release of those kidnapped,” it added.