Head of Hamas Political Bureau Ismail Haniyeh arrived on Sunday dawn in Turkey after leading wide-ranging discussions with Egyptian officials in Cairo.

Haniyeh held a series of meetings with Egyptian intelligence officials, above all General Intelligence Directorate, Major General Abbas Kamel who met with a joint delegation from Hamas and Islamic Jihad.

The meetings focused on several issues of mutual concern and the deep-rooted bilateral relations between the Palestinian and Egyptian peoples, in addition to the ways of boosting this relationship in various fields.     

As it highlighted the significance of Egypt’s role in all issues related to the Palestinian cause, Hamas expressed its gratitude to Egypt for facilitating the travel and movement of people and goods through the Rafah border crossing, hoping that Egypt would address some of the topics raised in this regard. 

Both sides discussed the political developments concerning the Palestinian cause amid accelerating decisions threatening the Palestinian constants, particularly Jerusalem, Palestinian refugees, settlement expansion, land grab by Israeli forces, and Palestinian detainees in Israeli prisons.

During the meeting, the Hamas leadership stressed that the Palestinian people do not recognise such moves and are determined to preserve their inalienable rights.

The high-ranking delegation reiterated the necessity for the Israeli occupation to implement its commitments to put an end to the Palestinian suffering in the Gaza Strip and its unfair siege on the impoverished enclave by approving humantarian projects in the coastal territory.

Noting that the Palestinian factions are committed to their part of the ceasefire understandings, the Hamas leadership warned against possible repercussions if the Israeli occupation failed to honour its commitments.

Both sides talked about anticipated Palestinian elections during their meeting, in which Hamas said that it was keen on holding legislative and presidential elections and National Council election.

Hamas explained that the string of concession that it had made in this regard “reflects a high responsibility and determination” to restructure the Palestinian House and political system on the basis of democratic principals and true partnership.

The delegation pointed out that Hamas was waiting for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to issue a presidential decree to hold elections and call for a national summit to agree on the arrangements related to Palestinian elections to ensure the success of the election process.

As for the meetings held between the Hamas leadership and its Islamic Jihad counterpart, headed by PIJ secretary general Ziad al-Nakhala, both movements highlighted the strong foundations on which their relationship is laid.

The two Palestinian movements reaffirmed their resolve to maintain a high level of coordination and mutual understanding to preserve the Palestinian constants and interests and fight off Israeli plans targeting the Palestinian cause.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad expressed their joint appreciation to the level of coordination and collaboration among all Palestinian factions through the National Committee of the Great Return March and the Joint Operation Chamber. 

The resistance movements voiced their deep appreciation to the role played by Egypt, Qatar, and the United Nations to broker the ceasefire understandings and their efforts to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian people.