Egyptian security delegation arrives in Gaza

CAIRO – 27 November 2017: A security delegation from the Egyptian intelligence service has arrived in the Gaza Strip on Monday afternoon to follow up what has been implemented with regard to the Palestinian reconciliation agreement signed recently between Hamas and Fatah under the auspices of the Egyptian authorities.

The Egyptian delegation entered Gaza through the Beit Hanoun (Erez) crossing as the Egyptian officials are expected to meet with Hamas officials and discuss the reconciliation process, including the steps that were taken to enable the Palestinian government to assume its responsibilities in Gaza.

Palestinian media reports revealed that a ministerial delegation from the Palestinian government would come along with the Egyptian delegation and the Palestinian Cabinet would convene on Tuesday in Gaza.

In October, Egyptian Intelligence Chief Khaled Fawzy paid a visit to Gaza where he met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah and Head of Hamas political bureau Ismail Haniyeh.

On November 21 and 22, Palestinian national authorities and factions met in Cairo upon an Egyptian invitation to resume talks between Fatah and Hamas. They intended to find a common ground for implementing the next step of their Egyptian-brokered reconciliation deal.

It was agreed during the meeting that principles of the October 2017 Fatah and Hamas reconciliation would be adhered to, in order to allow the government to carry out its responsibilities in the Gaza strip.

They also agreed to invite the Freedoms Committee that was formed in accordance with the May 4, 2011 reconciliation to resume its work immediately in Gaza and the West Bank.