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Gaza-Sinai Tensions Limit Egypt-Hamas Cooperation

Tension between the Gaza Strip and the Sinai has prevented their respective governments from partaking in economic partnerships that could benefit both countries, writes Omar Shaban.
A Palestinian farmer burns mints at a farm in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip April 13, 2013. Palestinian farmers in Gaza began destroying three tonnes of herbs on Saturday, saying a prolonged closure of the crossing into Israel meant the plants were no longer fit for export to Europe. REUTERS/Ibraheem Abu Mustafa (GAZA - Tags: POLITICS AGRICULTURE BUSINESS FOOD) - RTXYK04
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Egypt’s relationship with the Gaza Strip is governed by security apprehension on the one hand and fraternal Arab sympathy on the other. This has prevented any serious search for possible integration and cooperation opportunities in the economic and development fields between Palestine and Egypt.

Egypt's Sinai Peninsula and the Palestinian Gaza Strip could shift from a problematic issue in terms of the Egyptian-Palestinian relationship and regional stability, to a source of revival, development and stability between Palestine and Egypt. However, Palestinian division and the Israeli blockade continue to be obstacles that prevent the exploitation of potential opportunities.

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