A delegation from the Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) and Islamic Jihad (Holy War) movement headed for Egypt on Saturday morning for talks on ceasefire and reopening a crossing point between Gaza and Egypt, a Hamas spokesman said.
The delegation comprising Mahmoud Zahar, Said Siam and Jamal Abu Hashem from Hamas and Mohammed al-Hendi from the Islamic Jihad, departed through the closed Rafah crossing and will meet Egyptian officials at al-Arish town in Sinai Peninsula, Ayman Taha said.
"It is clear that the Egyptian brothers will carry special responses to the delegation regarding the calmness (with Israel), the siege and reopening Rafah crossing in addition to other outstanding issues," Taha said.
In January, Hamas blew up the border with Egypt, allowing the Palestinians to flood into Sinai to stock up on daily necessities following an unprecedented Israeli siege that dates back to June when Hamas ousted pro-Abbas forces and took over Gaza.
Hamas wants to reopen Rafah crossing according to its own vision while Egypt refuses and insists on an earlier international deal which runs Rafah with the presence of European Union monitors and control by security forces loyal to Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
It is the first time that the Islamic Jihad joins Hamas in its talks with Egypt.
Taha revealed, meanwhile, that Egypt has told Hamas that a group of Hamas members who were arrested in Sinai in January will be released.
Source: Xinhua
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