Mashaal: Egypt, PA, Hamas in talks over Rafah Crossing power transfer

By JPOST.COM STAFF
Egypt, Hamas, and the Palestinian Authority are in contact and are currently discussing how to transfer control of the Rafah Crossing on the Egypt-Gaza border to Hamas, exiled Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal said on Sunday. "Hamas is conducting negotiations with the Egyptians and the Palestinian Authority, in order to come to an agreement regarding the management of the crossings and a solution to the crisis in the Gaza Strip," Mashaal told the London-based newspaper, Asharq Alawsat. The Damascus-based leader added that Hamas would be willing to transfer control of presidential institutions in Gaza to PA President Mahmoud Abbas, should he be willing to discuss a power-sharing arrangement with the Islamic group involving the PA security apparatus. "It is very important to Hamas to maintain security, to remove the blockade, and not to harm the interests of the Egyptians," Mashaal said. "Opening the Rafah Crossing was a positive step and we must continue in suit."