Hamas ‘not meddling’ in Egypt’s affairs, says Haniyeh

Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh denies allegations it is involved in Sinai terror attacks on Egyptian soldiers.

By KHALED ABU TOAMEH
Ismail Haniyeh on a chair, looking expressive 370 (photo credit: REUTERS)
Ismail Haniyeh on a chair, looking expressive 370
(photo credit: REUTERS)
Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh denied Sunday that his movement has been meddling in the internal affairs of Egypt.
Haniyeh was speaking during a graduation ceremony for security officers in Gaza City.
“We do not have any security or military role in any Arab country, first and foremost Egypt,” Haniyeh said in response to allegations about the involvement of Hamas in terror attacks against Egyptian troops. “We do not intervene in the internal affairs of anyone. What harms the Egyptian people also harms us.”
The Hamas leader stopped short of criticizing the Egyptian authorities for their recent security measures along the border with the Gaza Strip, including the demolition of hundreds of smuggling tunnels and the closure of the Rafah border crossing.
However, he said that Hamas was ready to repel any Israeli “aggression” on the Gaza Strip.
“We won’t allow any aggression on our people,” he added.
Referring to the 2005 Israeli disengagement, Haniyeh said that the Gaza Strip was “liberated through resistance, blood, weapons, jihad and steadfastness.”
Another Hamas leader, Osama Hamdan, accused the rival Fatah faction of inciting the Egyptians against his movement.
“The campaign of incitement has created hatred and racism against Palestinians in Egypt,” Hamdan remarked.
He said that the closure of the Rafah terminal and other border crossings has aggravated the crisis in Gaza.
“The borders should be open between us and our Arab brothers,” Hamdan said.
“This is one of the main principles of supporting Palestinian steadfastness.”