Fight against IS draws Hamas, Egypt closer

Relations between Hamas and Egypt have taken an unexpected gradual turn for the better, with Cairo expressing satisfaction with Hamas’ security approach toward Egypt, especially in the border areas. On June 25, Egyptian military officials praised Hamas for its role in Gaza, its policing of the smuggling tunnels at the border and preventing Salafi jihadists from infiltrating from and into Sinai. 

This unexpected expression of gratitude followed a June 6 ruling by Egypt's Court of Urgent Matters overturning the Feb. 28 ruling designating Hamas a terrorist organization, a move that had exacerbated already heightened tensions between the two sides. Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zahri welcomed the court’s decision, calling it the rectification of a mistake and confirmation of Cairo's regional role in the Palestinian issue. He said the ruling will have positive repercussions for relations between the two parties.

Hamas' foreign relations chief, Osama Hamdan, told Al-Monitor, “This decision is a step in the right direction toward the Palestinians and the beginning of a new relationship with Hamas. This is about strategic relations with regard to Egypt’s role in the Palestinian cause in light of Hamas’ nonintervention policy in Cairo’s affairs.”

Abdullah al-Ashaal, former Egyptian deputy foreign minister, told Al-Monitor, “These good indicators underline Egypt’s desire to improve its relations with Hamas, as the change in its position in favor of Hamas points to an official Egyptian wish to improve the living conditions in Gaza. This is especially the case after [Egyptian] efforts to exclude Hamas from the political arena failed, while many voices within the Egyptian regime have been calling for upholding Hamas’ role in the region.”