Hamas slams Egypt for botched mediation, delayed reconstruction
Six months after truce was declared, Hamas leaders say Egypt is deliberately stalling and siding with Israel to delay aid to the Gaza Strip.
GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Tension flared up again between Egypt and Hamas over slow progress in the truce with Israel. Hamas is accusing Egypt of stalling and delaying the execution of the truce understandings that were reached with the Palestinian factions after the last battle in May.
The only demands that have been met were allowing the entry of the Qatari cash grant and the gradual entry of goods through the Kerem Shalom crossing and Salah al-Din Gate in the southern Gaza Strip.
A Hamas leading source spoke to the Qatari channel Al-Jazeera on Dec. 6 on condition of anonymity. “Egypt's behavior is an abandonment of its commitment,” the source said. “We will not allow the current situation to continue. The next stage will prove our credibility.”
The source expressed Hamas' strong dissatisfaction with Egypt's reluctance to fulfill its promises towards Gaza. The source also noted that Hamas’ political and military leadership are studying options for escalation with Israel.
