Hamas blames Egyptian government for kidnapping four fighters

Sources claim one of Egypt’s security apparatuses was behind abduction of Palestinians who left Gaza through the Rafah border crossing.

By KHALED ABU TOAMEH
Niña palestina celebra el aniversario número 27 de Hamás(Credito: REUTERS) (photo credit: REUTERS)
Niña palestina celebra el aniversario número 27 de Hamás(Credito: REUTERS)
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Tensions between Hamas and Egypt are mounting in the aftermath of the kidnapping of four Palestinians in Sinai last week.
Initial reports claimed that the four – members of Hamas’s Izzadin Kassam armed wing – were kidnapped by an extremist Islamist group affiliated with Islamic State.
Sources close to Hamas, however, accused the Egyptian authorities of kidnapping the men, who were among 50 Palestinian passengers who left the Gaza Strip through the Rafah border crossing.
The sources claimed that one of Egypt’s security apparatuses was behind the abduction and held its government fully responsible for their safety.
They said that the four Palestinians were kidnapped about 200 meters from the Egyptian side of the Rafah terminal.
No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnapping, which has outraged Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip.
The Egyptian army has denied any involvement in the kidnapping.
Hamas condemned the abduction as a “dangerous incident that violates the diplomatic and security norms [of Egypt].” The spokesman said that the hostages were on their way to Turkey to receive medical treatment.