Since Hamas elected Ismail Haniyeh as head of its political bureau in May 2017, he has paid Egypt long visits in September 2017, February 2018, May 2018 and February 2019, during which he discussed ways to alleviate the siege on the Gaza Strip, achieve reconciliation and improve bilateral relations.
Haniyeh’s latest visit to Egypt lasted more than three weeks, from Feb. 3 until Feb. 27. He was accompanied by members of Hamas’ political bureau Khalil al-Hayya and Rouhi Mushtaha, and media adviser Taher al-Nounou.
Upon his return to the Gaza Strip, Haniyeh met with Palestinian journalists and told them about his visit to Cairo. He said that he discussed various issues with Egyptian officials, including strategic threats to the Palestinian cause such as "the deal of the century," the US Embassy's move to Jerusalem, Israeli settlement expansion, Egyptian efforts to restore national unity and the sanctions on Gaza imposed by the Palestinian Authority (PA). He announced that the relations between Hamas and Egypt have entered the phase of strategic dialogue.
On March 3, Haniyeh informed the Palestinian factional leaders of the outcome of his visit to Cairo during a closed meeting in his office in Gaza. Hayya announced during a press conference following the meeting that Haniyeh highlighted to Egyptian officials the risks surrounding the Palestinian cause, ending the Israeli siege on the Gaza Strip, the bilateral relations with Egypt and the importance of ending the Palestinian division.
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