In pics: Haniyeh receives Egypt’s Intelligence Chief at Hamas HQ

CAIRO – 3 October 2017: Ismail Haniyeh denied pressuring Hamas to accept reconciliation with the Consensus Government in Ramallah, which is led by Prime Minister Ramy Hamdallah, who visited Gaza for first time in three years on Monday.

During his meeting with Egypt’s General Intelligence Directorate Chief Khaled Fawzy in Gaza, Haniyeh denied that Hamas had accepted to sit on the dialogue table with Fatah’s Movement “under pressure,” when Egyptian authorities were supervising and guaranteeing that the reconciliation efforts came from both sides.

Hamas hosted General Fawzy and his accompanying security delegation on their visit to the Movement’s headquarters in Gaza on Tuesday, after having concluded their earlier visit to Ramallah on Monday evening, and meeting with President Mahmoud Abbas.


Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh recieves Egypt's Intelligence Chief Khaled Fawzy in Gaza on October 3, 2017- Press Photo


Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh recieves Egypt's Intelligence Chief Khaled Fawzy in Gaza on October 3, 2017- Press Photo

“The Palestinian division is behind us now… we are ready for whatever it takes to reconcile with Fatah,” Haniyeh added.

He stressed that Hamas welcomed being a partner with Fatah and other factions in making the Palestinian decision, manifesting that the reconciliation comes within the framework of a strategic vision needed to face dangers threatening the Palestinian cause.


Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh recieves Egypt's Intelligence Chief Khaled Fawzy in Gaza on October 3, 2017- Press Photo


Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh recieves Egypt's Intelligence Chief Khaled Fawzy in Gaza on October 3, 2017- Press Photo

Cairo sponsored the Palestinian reconciliation talks over the last 11 years, which finally resulted in the latest unifying initiative, following frequent failures.

Hamas’ movement had announced on September 17 the dissolution of the administrative committee at the Gaza Strip, inviting the Government of National Reconciliation to assume its duties and hold general elections. The movement affirmed it would comply with the Social Reconciliation Accord signed in 2011.

Earlier, Palestinian President Abbas said that there is no other country as vital to the Palestinian cause as Egypt due to its historical and political position in the region. “Egypt has an opinion, a position and an interest in the Palestinian cause,” Abbas said.


Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh speaking to Egypt's Intelligence Chief Khaled Fawzy and the security delegation membets at Hamas headquarters in Gaza on October 3, 2017- Press Photo


Hamas Leader Ismail Haniyeh recieves Egypt's Intelligence Chief Khaled Fawzy in Gaza on October 3, 2017- Press Photo