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Egyptian President al-Sisi vs. Hamas

(Institute for Contemporary Affairs-Jerusalem Center for Public Affairs) Yoni Ben Menachem - At the end of last month, Egypt's Prosecutor General filed a lawsuit against Hamas' military arm Ezzedin Al Qassam, intending to declare Hamas a terrorist organization and outlaw its activity. Hamas claims that the directive to the Prosecutor General originated from Egyptian President al-Sisi himself. The Egyptian move against Hamas comes after the grave terror attack in northern Sinai six weeks ago in which 33 Egyptian soldiers were killed. The extremist Ansar Beit al Maqdes, that recently joined ISIS, claimed responsibility, but according to Egyptian intelligence, Hamas was actively involved in this terror attack by smuggling explosives and its fighters through Gaza's tunnels. The Egyptians claim the terror attack was masterminded by Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, that the logistical support was provided by the Turkish intelligence services, and that Qatar financed the operation with $6 million. Hamas has denied all connection to the attack. The writer, a senior Middle East analyst for the Jerusalem Center, is former Director General and Chief Editor of the Israel Broadcasting Authority.
2014-12-05 00:00:00
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