Israel bans Haniyeh from leaving Gaza

Israel informed Egypt yesterday that it should prevent Hamas’ new chief, Ismail Haniyeh, from moving “freely” from the Gaza Strip to Egypt, Israel’s Walla news site reported.

The message came following a recent announcement by Hamas declaring Haniyeh, former Gaza prime minister, as the new head of the group’s political bureau, replacing the Qatar-based Khaled Meshaal.

Read: Ismail Haniyeh: the new top man within Hamas

Israeli authorities expressed their concerns over Haniyeh’s “expected frequent tours” between Gaza and Egypt, seeing it as a way in which to increase his power.

The occupation authorities pointed out that Yahya Sinwar, founding member of the Hamas military wing who was recently elected as the group’s new chief in Gaza, had backed Haniyeh’s appointment.

On Sunday, the resistance group’s spokesperson, Hazem Qasim, said that Haniyeh would remain in the Gaza Strip, stressing that he will leave “if the necessity dictates”.

Official Israeli sources believe Haniyeh’s stay in Gaza would have a “positive impact”, noting that he would be easily targeted by the Israeli forces if there was an escalation. He would also face movement restrictions outside Gaza that could limit his role as Hamas chief, sources said.

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Image of Ismail Haniyeh (C) talking to press in Gaza on May 8, 2017 [Ali Jadallah/Anadolu Agency]