Islamic State in Sinai poses threat to Hamas
Despite Hamas denials, Islamic State cells exist in the Gaza Strip, and its declaration of a state in the Sinai may accelerate its expansion as Hamas’ grip on Gaza loosens.
Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, like many people around the world, have viewed the Nov. 15 video from the Islamic State (IS), announcing the new name of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis: Wilayat Sinai, meaning State of Sinai. According to the video, the group is on the outskirts of Gaza, which shares a 13-kilometer (8-mile) border with Egypt, above the ground and in the tunnels, prompting concern that the news could boost IS' presence in the Strip.
Abu Khattab, a leader of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis in Gaza, pledged allegiance to IS on Nov. 3, in response to a decision by the group’s Shura Council. He threatened IS’ opponents and called for attacks on anyone who works against it.
Ghazi Hamad, a senior Hamas leader and undersecretary of the Foreign Ministry in Gaza, denied the existence of IS cells in the Gaza Strip in a conversation with Al-Monitor, saying, “There are no militants affiliated with the group in the Strip. Any accusations of this sort are lies, as we do not have any extremist members.”
Al-Monitor also met with Abu Mujahid, an IS supporter in Gaza. He said that Hamas has no reason to fear IS as it is not targeted by the radical group, explaining, “Hamas should not have any concerns regarding the announcement of Wilayat Sinai. Despite their differences, IS does not target Hamas, since the group is confronting the Egyptian army. The wilaya would protect Gaza from any possible attacks by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.”
