Six months after the last visit to Egypt by Hamas representatives in September 2015, a high-ranking Hamas delegation paid a five-day visit to Cairo on March 12. No details were publicly disclosed about the security-related talks held at the General Intelligence Directorate, which manages the Palestinian file, but a senior Hamas official following up on the talks with the Egyptian side spoke to Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity.

The official commented, “The meetings addressed a number of important security topics, such as the abduction of four Hamas figures in the Sinai Peninsula on Aug. 20, 2015, Hamas’ demand to permanently open the Rafah crossing and Egypt’s accusation of Hamas being involved in the assassination of former Egyptian Attorney General Hisham Barakat in June 2015. In addition [talks covered] the continuation of work in some tunnels between the Gaza Strip and Sinai. Although we have emphasized our noninterference in internal Egyptian affairs, we continue to control our security borders with Sinai.”

Perhaps Hamas preferred not to reveal details about the security meetings with the Egyptian's until after another round of talks following completion of the current regional tour of Hamas officials. Since March 18, Hamas leaders based in Gaza and abroad have been meeting in Qatar. After the Qatar gathering, a Hamas delegation is expected to meet again with Egyptian officials to inform them of the movement’s final positions on the issues discussed in Cairo. Hamas might then issue an official statement outlining the discussions with the Egyptians. Such a statement, should one be issued, could reveal the points of contention and agreement between the two parties.

Hussam Badran, a Hamas spokesman residing in Qatar, told Al-Monitor, “Hamas’ visit to Egypt is a step in the right direction, toward a natural and positive relationship to overcome the tensions that prevailed earlier. Despite the absence of a written agreement, we have stressed to our Egyptian brothers that we have nothing to do with the security incidents in Egypt and Sinai. Hamas is doing its part on the Gaza border, as it always has, and it is concerned about the security of Egypt and its people. This is what we have explained to the Egyptians.”