Tensions rise between Egypt, Hamas
Tensions have surged between Egypt and Hamas following the deadly October attack in the Sinai Peninsula against Egyptian soldiers, which prompted an Egyptian media campaign against Hamas.
Relations between Hamas and Egypt continue to be at a standstill, with the tide of tension rising from time to time, especially following the latest developments in the Sinai Peninsula and the Egyptian army’s operations on the Gaza border.
The latest standoff between both parties was on Nov. 30, when Hamas denied Egypt’s accusations that it was involved in storming prisons during the January 2011 revolution.
Nevertheless, on Nov. 25, Mahmoud al-Zahar, a member of Hamas’ political bureau, said Egypt has been seeking to ameliorate relations with Hamas, with the aim of restoring an image tarnished by the “obnoxious” Egyptian media campaign against Hamas and the Palestinians. He also said that communications between the two sides have been underway to embark on a new chapter.
Egypt opened the Rafah crossing on Nov. 26-27 to allow the thousands of Palestinians stuck inside its territory to enter Gaza, after being closed for more than a month, against the backdrop of the attack that killed at least 30 Egyptian soldiers in Sinai on Oct. 24.
