Hamas delegation leaves Gaza for Egypt talks

By Nour Abu Aisha and Hani al-Shaer

GAZA CITY, Palestine (AA) – A delegation from Palestinian resistance group Hamas set out for Cairo on Wednesday from the blockaded Gaza Strip for talks with Egyptian officials.

The delegation crossed the Rafah border crossing en route to Cairo, the Palestinian media office of the crossing said in a statement.

Leading Hamas members are among the delegation, including group deputy leader Saleh al-Arouri, who returned to Gaza recently after eight years in exile.

On Tuesday, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said the delegation will “carry the movement’s vision for reconciliation, ending the Gaza blockade, de-escalation and confronting Israel aggression”.

Hamas has been holding meetings in the blockaded Gaza Strip as well as talks with Egypt and the UN over a proposal for national reconciliation and a cease-fire with Israel.