Egypt’s March 4 decision to ban Hamas' activities, confiscate its property and close its headquarters in Egypt represented a worsening of their relations, which had been deteriorating since the July 2013 military coup that overthrew the Muslim Brotherhood government of President Mohammed Morsi. The past few days, however, have brought political developments and actions suggesting that Hamas and Egypt, fearing the unpleasant consequences, do not want matters to descend into a full-on confrontation. In one earlier example, participants at a Hamas-sponsored March 23 rally raised Egyptian flags in the central Gaza Strip.

Gulf mediation

It was reported in March that unnamed figures from the Gulf had contacted the Egyptian army at Hamas’ request to mediate between the movement and Cairo with the goal of improving relations. The Gulf figures quoted Hamas as wanting to turn a page with the army on the condition that Egypt retract decisions designating the movement a terrorist organization and allow its members to be present in Egypt to manage the group’s affairs. In turn, Hamas promised not to interfere in Egypt's internal affairs. Hamas sources would not confirm or deny these reports when approached by Al-Monitor.

Moussa Abu Marzouk, vice president of the Hamas political bureau, asserted recently to Al-Ray that his organization is keen to have contacts with Egypt and keep channels between them open, as Hamas’ interest lies with whomever the Egyptians choose to govern them. He described what is happening in the Sinai Peninsula as “terrorism,” from which Hamas-controlled Gaza has suffered, and noted that the smuggling of arms was and still is from the Sinai to Gaza, not in the other direction.