Hamas seeks to re-build trust with Egypt

CAIRO – 3 May 2017: Since their foundation in 1987, the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas followed strict Islamic principles, but it is now reconsidering its position towards everything, notably Egypt.

Hamas’ leader, Khaled Mashaal, appeared on TV from Doha to announce a new manifesto of the group outlining a different approach in dealing with Israel and regional political groups, mainly the outlawed Muslim Brotherhood. The move was seen as an attempt by Hamas to amend its relations with its neighbor, Egypt, and the Gulf states, most of which have designated the Brotherhood as a terrorist organization.

In an interview conducted on Tuesday, Mashaal said that the recent development measures adopted by the movement come in line with its general strategy in Palestine. He pointed out that the bilateral relationship with Egypt has recently witnessed a growing improvement, expressing his aim at establishing much closer ties with the largest Arab country.

Mashal said the new manifesto stipulates that Hamas rejects any interference in other countries’ affairs, noting that the terrorist wave which plagued Egypt is an internal issue, and Hamas is keen on protecting the national security of Egypt.

In the past years, Hamas’ leaders have worked assiduously to re-build trust with Cairo. Hamas’ leadership understands that its fate in the blockaded Gaza Strip is tied not only to Israel, but also to Egypt.