Egypt hopes for economic boost from Palestinian reconciliation
Economic opportunities in the Gaza Strip following the Fatah-Hamas deal could prove beneficial to Cairo, yet the fragile security situation poses potential obstacles.
CAIRO — The Egyptian-brokered reconciliation deal between Fatah and Hamas signed on Oct. 12 could have major economic repercussions for Cairo. The agreement comes after a 10-year-long dispute against the backdrop of Hamas' takeover of the Gaza Strip following its victory in the 2006 legislative elections with 76 out of 132 seats and infighting with Fatah in 2007.
The reconciliation has so far generated positive opinions and forecasts by economic experts anticipating a boost in both Palestine's and Egypt’s national economies. They argue that stability in the Gaza Strip would promote economic recovery and reconstruction, and in light of the low business costs with the adjacent enclave, Egyptian businessmen and companies are most likely to be one of the main stakeholders.
