Hamas orders its supporters not to comment on anti-Sisi demonstrations
Hamas decided to distance itself from Egyptian demonstrations demanding the departure of Sisi.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — It appears that Hamas has decided to take a new approach vis-a-vis the recent demonstrations in Egyptian cities, contrary to its position supporting the January 25 Revolution that broke out in 2011 and overthrew the regime of former President Hosni Mubarak.
On Sept. 21, several newsgroups circulated on WhatsApp an audio recording of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh asking Hamas leaders and media centers not to talk about what is happening in Egypt.
The short recording stated, “I hope and emphasize the need not to mention at all, neither from a distance or from afar, neither a statement nor a hint, neither an official media nor an informal media, anything concerning the Arab Republic of Egypt." Haniyeh stressed that "everyone must abide by these instructions.”
Over the past two weeks, Egyptian cities have witnessed sporadic demonstrations against what protesters describe as "government corruption." Demonstrators chanted slogans calling for the resignation of current President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who took power in 2013 after the removal of late President Mohamed Morsi, the Muslim Brotherhood candidate.
