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| Israel-Palestine-Jordan | |
| Egypt escorts Hamas delegation back to Gaza following unity talk prep | |
| 2009-08-15 | |
| Ma'an - The eight man Hamas delegation headed by Mahmoud Az-Zahar returned from Cairo to Gaza on via Rafah crossing Thursday, accompanied by an Egyptian official who will work with leaders in the Strip on preparations for unity talks at the end of the month. Egyptian security sources said the group returned under tight Egyptian security after concluding a round of confidential talks with Egyptian national security officials.
Last week the delegation left the Strip following an urgent summons by Egyptian officials for talks over unity dialogue with Fatah. The summons came following statements from Hamas saying they would refuse any further rounds of dialogue with Fatah unless the leading West Bank party released all political prisoners affiliated with Hamas. Egyptian sources said they intended to hold talks on 25 August, and wanted to iron out the Hamas position ahead of the talks. They said "urgent and rapid" solutions were needed at the next round, and that Az-Zahar has returned with Egypt's proposals in hand so the next talks are conclusive. The return of the delegation puts to bed rumors that the delegation was in Cairo to discuss a prisoner swap deal ahead of the holy month of Ramadan. | |
| Posted by:Fred |