Gaza Hamas leaders seek ‘new era’ with Egypt after accusations | Reuters – Firstpost

Egypt accused Hamas of involvement in last year’s assassination of Public Prosecutor Hisham Barakat. Hamas rejected the claim as “politically motivated”.

Egypt, historically the Palestinians’ major backer, has brokered several truces between Israel and Gaza factions and tried to heal past rifts between rival Palestinian factions.

But it has intensified a blockade of Gaza by largely sealing the border since 2013, citing precarious security conditions in neighbouring Sinai where Islamist militants have launched many deadly strikes on Egyptian soldiers.

The 12-member Hamas delegation headed for Cairo included three top figures, Mahmoud Al-Zahar, Khalil Al-Hayya and Imad Al-Alami. An Egyptian border official told Reuters they were escorted under heavy security.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri said the officials were hoping to turn a new page in relations with Egypt.

via Gaza Hamas leaders seek ‘new era’ with Egypt after accusations | Reuters – Firstpost.