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Hamas security delegation leaves Gaza to Egypt

February 1, 2017 at 5:26 am

A security delegation from the Palestinian Hamas movement left the Gaza Strip on Tuesday, via the Rafah crossing, heading to Egypt in the context of continuing joint meetings and consultation between the two parties.

An informed source who is close to the Hamas movement told Anadolu Agency that a delegation from the movement’ security services left the Gaza Strip to Egypt. The delegation is headed by the Undersecretary of Gaza’s Interior Ministry, Tawfiq Abu Naim. The source, who requested anonymity for not being authorized to speak to the media, did not give details about the duration and the members of the delegation.

The source added that this visit comes within the framework of a follow-up on what was agreed upon between Hamas’ Deputy Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh with the Egyptian side during his last visit to Cairo. Haniyeh had arrived in Cairo on 23 January to meet with Egyptian officials.

Upon his arrival in the Gaza Strip last Friday, Haniyeh told reporters that Hamas’ relations with Egypt are witnessing positive shifts, the results of which will appear in the coming days.

He explained that officials from both sides agreed on the continuation of joint meetings and consultations.

Last Friday, Hamas had issued an official statement describing the delegation’s visit to Egypt as “successful” and “fruitful”.

Relations between Hamas and Egypt have seen significant tensions since the military ouster of Mohamed Morsi as president in July 2013. Morsi, who hails from the Muslim Brotherhood group, maintained good relations with Hamas.