Hamas reconciles with Gaza Salafists
After years of tension, Hamas has reached an understanding with local Salafists that will allow them limited activity if they cease conducting operations independent of Gaza's armed factions.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — The relationship between Hamas and the various Salafist jihadist groups in Gaza is in a state of flux these days. As previously reported by Al-Monitor, relations between the two parties were once highly confrontational, but they have since improved.
Early October witnessed the first tepid movement toward a reconciliation between Hamas and the Salafists. This process has been conducted through intermediaries, particularly Muslim clerics from Kuwait and Qatar, accompanied by Sheikh Yusuf al-Qaradawi, who visited Gaza in May to help resolve the outstanding conflicts between the two sides.
A prominent Salafist leader in Gaza who spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity disclosed that intensive contacts had been taking place with Hamas following years of bloody conflict. He noted that the mediators had put in place a preliminary agreement to end the conflict, which had been threatening to deteriorate further.
The change in Egypt
