Egyptian intel official arrives in Gaza 'to follow up' on reconciliation efforts

Fatah and Hamas signed a deal in Cairo in mid-October to advance reconciliation efforts and restore the PA’s governing authority in Gaza, but have thus far failed to implement the agreement.

By ADAM RASGON
Updated: FEBRUARY 25, 2018 17:17
Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad (L) and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. (photo credit: REUTERS)
Fatah official Azzam al-Ahmad (L) and Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.
(photo credit: REUTERS)
A top official from the Egyptian Intelligence Services arrived in the Gaza Strip on Sunday “to follow up” on reconciliation efforts between Hamas and Fatah, the official Palestinian Authority news site Wafa reported.
Samih Nabil, the official responsible for the Palestinian file in the Egyptian Intelligence Services, accompanied by Egyptian Consul General in Ramallah Khalid Sami, entered the Strip via the Erez crossing in the afternoon, where they were welcomed by Hamas security chief in Gaza Tawfiq Abu Naim.
In mid-October, Fatah and Hamas signed a deal in Cairo to advance reconciliation efforts and restore the PA’s governing authority in Gaza, but have thus far failed to implement the agreement. Hamas has controlled Gaza since ousting the Fatah-dominated PA in 2007 from the territory.
One of the main obstacles between the rival parties is the future of security control in Gaza. Fatah Chairman and PA President Mahmoud Abbas has said he would only accept a scenario, in which the PA controls all weapons in the Strip. Meanwhile, Hamas officials have said they would not agree to forcing armed groups in Gaza to concede their weapons.
Nabil and Khalid are scheduled to meet with Fatah, Hamas and PA officials during their visit to Gaza, the Wafa report said. Nabil has visited Gaza three times in the past five months.