Why Egypt chose this moment to release Hamas detainees
Egypt recently released Hamas and Gazan detainees in a gesture of goodwill as ties between the two parties keep improving.
The recent rapprochement between Hamas and Egypt is continuing. In November, a delegation of Hamas leaders headed by the deputy head of its political bureau, Saleh al-Arouri, visited Egypt for talks on developing bilateral relations, ending the siege of Gaza and achieving Palestinian national reconciliation.
On Nov. 16, Ahmed Abdel Khalek, the head of Palestinian affairs in the Egyptian General Intelligence Service, participated in a memorial service for cadres of Hamas killed in Khan Yunis during an escalation with Israel following an undercover Israeli attack in Gaza that month.
In recent days, there has been a qualitative increase in the rapprochement between Hamas and Egypt.
On Dec. 30, Egypt released three Gazans — Hossam Abu Watfa, Muhammad Ghaith and Ayman Malihah — who were detained in Egypt for five to 20 months.
