8 mar 2013
Bardawil denies Egyptian President calling on Hamas to abandon resistance
Dr. Salah Bardawil, a Hamas leader, denied any Egyptian call on Hamas to abandon the armed resistance, stressing that these allegations aim to drive a wedge between Egypt and Hamas.
Bardawil stressed in a press statement on Thursday that his movement would not give up its resistance option, adding that no one could think to call on the movement to abandon its resistance.
"Our Egyptian brothers respect and appreciate Palestinian resistance because resistance, in all its forms, is the legitimate right, so they did not make or think to make such a request," he added, pointing out that his movement does not interfere in any state's internal affairs, neither does it accept external interference in its affairs.
Yediot Ahronot, the Hebrew newspaper has claimed on Thursday that Egypt asked Hamas movement to abandon its armed resistance in order to gain international recognition.
Bardawil stressed in a press statement on Thursday that his movement would not give up its resistance option, adding that no one could think to call on the movement to abandon its resistance.
"Our Egyptian brothers respect and appreciate Palestinian resistance because resistance, in all its forms, is the legitimate right, so they did not make or think to make such a request," he added, pointing out that his movement does not interfere in any state's internal affairs, neither does it accept external interference in its affairs.
Yediot Ahronot, the Hebrew newspaper has claimed on Thursday that Egypt asked Hamas movement to abandon its armed resistance in order to gain international recognition.
7 mar 2013
Abu Zuhri: Hamas respects Egypt, regardless of the ruling regime
Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri, a spokesman for Hamas movement, declared that the movement's policy is based on resistance against the Israeli occupation in Palestine and not to intervene in the internal affairs of any Arab country, stressing Hamas's keenness to keep the Egyptian national security.
Abu Zuhri, denied, during an interview with Egyptian Dream TV Channel on Thursday, the allegations that have proliferated recently about Hamas and its interference in internal Egyptian affairs.
Hamas was and still is adopting a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of States, as well as not to conduct resistance activities in other areas, Abu Zahri said, recalling that the 2008 war on Gaza was declared from Egypt during the Egyptian previous regime, saying that although the Egyptian former regime has besieged Hamas and the Palestinian people, the movement did not violate the Egyptian sovereignty.
He stressed that Hamas respects Egypt as a country, regardless of ruling regime, strongly denying that the movement or any of its leaders called on the Egyptian President to oppress the Egyptian opposition.
He stressed that it is a distortion campaign targeting the Palestinian resistance, revealing the involvement of an officer in the Preventive Security Service of the Fatah movement, named Ahmed Abdel Halim Abu Shawqa, from Ramallah, in publishing a false document attributed to al-Qassam Brigades, saying that it sent a number of its members to Egypt.
He strongly denied that Hamas sent 7 thousand members of al-Qassam Brigades to protect the Egyptian president. This statement has no basis... We are a Palestinian movement and will not interfere in the Egyptian affairs, said Abu Zahri.
Abu Zuhri, denied, during an interview with Egyptian Dream TV Channel on Thursday, the allegations that have proliferated recently about Hamas and its interference in internal Egyptian affairs.
Hamas was and still is adopting a policy of non-interference in the internal affairs of States, as well as not to conduct resistance activities in other areas, Abu Zahri said, recalling that the 2008 war on Gaza was declared from Egypt during the Egyptian previous regime, saying that although the Egyptian former regime has besieged Hamas and the Palestinian people, the movement did not violate the Egyptian sovereignty.
He stressed that Hamas respects Egypt as a country, regardless of ruling regime, strongly denying that the movement or any of its leaders called on the Egyptian President to oppress the Egyptian opposition.
He stressed that it is a distortion campaign targeting the Palestinian resistance, revealing the involvement of an officer in the Preventive Security Service of the Fatah movement, named Ahmed Abdel Halim Abu Shawqa, from Ramallah, in publishing a false document attributed to al-Qassam Brigades, saying that it sent a number of its members to Egypt.
He strongly denied that Hamas sent 7 thousand members of al-Qassam Brigades to protect the Egyptian president. This statement has no basis... We are a Palestinian movement and will not interfere in the Egyptian affairs, said Abu Zahri.
2 mar 2013
Abu Marzouk slams Egyptian media for fabricating lies about Hamas
Deputy head of Hamas's political bureau Moussa Abu Marzouk strongly denounced some Egyptian media outlets for their persistence in claiming that his Movement backed president Mohamed Morsi with 500 men from its armed brigades.
On his facebook page, Abu Marzouk stated that such news was broadcast and published many times, although Hamas refuted these allegations every time.
He noted that these news outlets attributed the news to anonymous sources and talked about raids without stating if anyone had been arrested.
The Hamas official stressed that such fabricated news do not only target Hamas, but also the Egyptian security apparatuses and the army because such lies accuse them of dereliction of duty and failure to protect Egypt's security and stability.
"Hamas has never taken its conflict with the occupation outside Palestine, even when some of its members were assassinated abroad. Does it make sense for Hamas to target Egypt's security?" the official stated. He reiterated some of his Movement's policies, most importantly, its commitment not to interfere in the internal affairs of the Arab countries, not to take sides, and to only confine its conflict with the Israeli occupation.
On his facebook page, Abu Marzouk stated that such news was broadcast and published many times, although Hamas refuted these allegations every time.
He noted that these news outlets attributed the news to anonymous sources and talked about raids without stating if anyone had been arrested.
The Hamas official stressed that such fabricated news do not only target Hamas, but also the Egyptian security apparatuses and the army because such lies accuse them of dereliction of duty and failure to protect Egypt's security and stability.
"Hamas has never taken its conflict with the occupation outside Palestine, even when some of its members were assassinated abroad. Does it make sense for Hamas to target Egypt's security?" the official stated. He reiterated some of his Movement's policies, most importantly, its commitment not to interfere in the internal affairs of the Arab countries, not to take sides, and to only confine its conflict with the Israeli occupation.
26 feb 2013
Interior ministry slams some Egyptian positions against Rafah tunnels
The Palestinian ministry of interior in Gaza expressed its dismay at some Egyptian officials for declaring their country's intention to continue its security campaign against the tunnels in the Rafah border area. In a press release on Monday, the interior ministry demanded the Egyptian authorities to consider the humanitarian situation in Gaza resulting from Israel's blockade and open the Rafah crossing fully instead of destroying the tunnels.
"The interior ministry is following up with great concern the remarks made by some Egyptian officials about what is going on in the area of tunnels on the Gaza Strip borders and reiterating their statements about the closure of the tunnels forever," it underscored.
It added that on the ground, the Egyptian military forces keep destroying the tunnels without any consideration for the blockade imposed on Gaza for more than six years and Israel's control of the access of vital needs.
The ministry affirmed that the tunnels are under its full control and used only for humanitarian purposes and to sustain the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in the face of the Israeli occupation.
"The dependence on these tunnels is exceptional and emergency situation to face the blockade imposed on the Palestinian people, and if there is another alternative and the crossings are opened fully, we will not need the tunnels, which are like the main lifeline at the present time," it said.
The interior ministry also highlighted that Egypt's national security is part of the Palestinian security and a red line for the government in Gaza.
It hailed Egypt's new leadership for its support for the Palestinian cause, expressing hope that the post-revolution Egypt would always stand by the Palestinians in times of need.
In a related context, member of Hamas's political bureau Khalil Al-Hayya reiterated that his Movement does not interfere in in Egypt's internal affairs and is keen on its security and stability.
During his meeting on Monday with an Egyptian delegation, Hayya stressed that Egypt's security and stability are strength for Gaza and the Palestinian people.
He said that Israel still imposes a tight blockade on Gaza despite the truce agreement, so the tunnels also remain important to face that siege.
"What is needed today is to work on providing every moral, material, political and media support for Gaza to stop the ferocious attack on it and allay the fears that possess a few people in the Egyptian society," the Hamas official stated.
Egyptian Court Calls On Morsi To Close All Border Tunnels
An Egyptian court ruled Tuesday that all border tunnels between the Gaza Strip and Egypt “must be closed and demolished, as they are draining the Egyptian economy and resources, in addition to the fact that some tunnels are used for smuggling weapons into Gaza”.
The ruling was made amidst an ongoing Egyptian campaign that demolished dozens of tunnels, and flooded them with toxic waste-water since the beginning of the year.
An Egyptian lawyer who filed the lawsuit said that, since the Egyptian revolution started on January 25 2011, thousands of Palestinians crossed into Egypt via the border tunnels.
The lawyer said that the tunnels have drained the Egyptian resources and economy, as Egyptian products and goods are being illegally sent to Gaza.
He also said that weapons, fuel, stolen cars and food supplies are being smuggled into Gaza, an issue that is leading to negative impacts on the Egyptians in Sinai in particular, and in Egypt in general.
Furthermore, Egypt said that it has numerous security concerns regarding the tunnels, and added that some of the gunmen who, in August of last year, killed 16 Egyptian soldiers at an Egyptian military base close to the border with Gaza, in Sinai, entered Egypt through the runnels. Palestinian armed groups in Gaza denied the report, and said that had nothing to do with the attack.
Border tunnels in Gaza became very essential due to the ongoing Israeli siege that was imposed in June of 2007.
Nearly %30 of the goods that enter Gaza are smuggled through the tunnels, and at least 10.000 Palestinians work in these tunnels, the Quds Net news agency reported.
The agency added that the Ministry of Interior in Gaza, run by the Hamas-led government, stated Monday that all border tunnels in Gaza are “well controlled”, and that the government monitors the tunnels to ensure they serve a humanitarian mission that counters the illegal Israeli siege on the coastal region.
Earlier last month, the Egyptian Security Services announced that they managed to uncover a weapons’ storage facility loaded with advances missiles, including antitank and antiaircraft missiles that weapons dealers intended to smuggle into the Gaza Strip via border tunnels.
It is worth mentioning that at approximately 232 have been killed in tunnel collapse accidents, including twenty Palestinians who were killed after the Israeli army bombarded several tunnels as they were in them. Around 800 Palestinians have been injured in these incidents.
Tunnels are also used for smuggling urgently needed medical supplies and medications missing in Gaza Strip hospitals and medical centers due to the Israeli siege.
The siege has left Gazan hospitals and medical center out of basic and specialized supplies and equipment, an issue that has led to the death of more than 400 patients, including infants and children. Many patients died while waiting permits from Israel to cross the border for medical treatment.
"The interior ministry is following up with great concern the remarks made by some Egyptian officials about what is going on in the area of tunnels on the Gaza Strip borders and reiterating their statements about the closure of the tunnels forever," it underscored.
It added that on the ground, the Egyptian military forces keep destroying the tunnels without any consideration for the blockade imposed on Gaza for more than six years and Israel's control of the access of vital needs.
The ministry affirmed that the tunnels are under its full control and used only for humanitarian purposes and to sustain the steadfastness of the Palestinian people in the face of the Israeli occupation.
"The dependence on these tunnels is exceptional and emergency situation to face the blockade imposed on the Palestinian people, and if there is another alternative and the crossings are opened fully, we will not need the tunnels, which are like the main lifeline at the present time," it said.
The interior ministry also highlighted that Egypt's national security is part of the Palestinian security and a red line for the government in Gaza.
It hailed Egypt's new leadership for its support for the Palestinian cause, expressing hope that the post-revolution Egypt would always stand by the Palestinians in times of need.
In a related context, member of Hamas's political bureau Khalil Al-Hayya reiterated that his Movement does not interfere in in Egypt's internal affairs and is keen on its security and stability.
During his meeting on Monday with an Egyptian delegation, Hayya stressed that Egypt's security and stability are strength for Gaza and the Palestinian people.
He said that Israel still imposes a tight blockade on Gaza despite the truce agreement, so the tunnels also remain important to face that siege.
"What is needed today is to work on providing every moral, material, political and media support for Gaza to stop the ferocious attack on it and allay the fears that possess a few people in the Egyptian society," the Hamas official stated.
Egyptian Court Calls On Morsi To Close All Border Tunnels
An Egyptian court ruled Tuesday that all border tunnels between the Gaza Strip and Egypt “must be closed and demolished, as they are draining the Egyptian economy and resources, in addition to the fact that some tunnels are used for smuggling weapons into Gaza”.
The ruling was made amidst an ongoing Egyptian campaign that demolished dozens of tunnels, and flooded them with toxic waste-water since the beginning of the year.
An Egyptian lawyer who filed the lawsuit said that, since the Egyptian revolution started on January 25 2011, thousands of Palestinians crossed into Egypt via the border tunnels.
The lawyer said that the tunnels have drained the Egyptian resources and economy, as Egyptian products and goods are being illegally sent to Gaza.
He also said that weapons, fuel, stolen cars and food supplies are being smuggled into Gaza, an issue that is leading to negative impacts on the Egyptians in Sinai in particular, and in Egypt in general.
Furthermore, Egypt said that it has numerous security concerns regarding the tunnels, and added that some of the gunmen who, in August of last year, killed 16 Egyptian soldiers at an Egyptian military base close to the border with Gaza, in Sinai, entered Egypt through the runnels. Palestinian armed groups in Gaza denied the report, and said that had nothing to do with the attack.
Border tunnels in Gaza became very essential due to the ongoing Israeli siege that was imposed in June of 2007.
Nearly %30 of the goods that enter Gaza are smuggled through the tunnels, and at least 10.000 Palestinians work in these tunnels, the Quds Net news agency reported.
The agency added that the Ministry of Interior in Gaza, run by the Hamas-led government, stated Monday that all border tunnels in Gaza are “well controlled”, and that the government monitors the tunnels to ensure they serve a humanitarian mission that counters the illegal Israeli siege on the coastal region.
Earlier last month, the Egyptian Security Services announced that they managed to uncover a weapons’ storage facility loaded with advances missiles, including antitank and antiaircraft missiles that weapons dealers intended to smuggle into the Gaza Strip via border tunnels.
It is worth mentioning that at approximately 232 have been killed in tunnel collapse accidents, including twenty Palestinians who were killed after the Israeli army bombarded several tunnels as they were in them. Around 800 Palestinians have been injured in these incidents.
Tunnels are also used for smuggling urgently needed medical supplies and medications missing in Gaza Strip hospitals and medical centers due to the Israeli siege.
The siege has left Gazan hospitals and medical center out of basic and specialized supplies and equipment, an issue that has led to the death of more than 400 patients, including infants and children. Many patients died while waiting permits from Israel to cross the border for medical treatment.
23 feb 2013
Gaza hosts fourth conference for scholars of Egypt and Palestine
Palestinian and Egyptian religious figures called for necessarily supporting the occupied city of Jerusalem and the Aqsa Mosque and raising the awareness of the Muslim nation about the Judaization dangers threatening the city.
This came during several speeches delivered in the fourth conference for the scholars of Egypt and Palestine that was held on Friday in the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian minister of religious affairs Ismail Radwan said this conference "underscores the deep relationship between Egypt and Palestine and contributes to breaking the blockade imposed on Gaza."
"We have come together to support Jerusalem, which is exposed to Judaization, plots, repeated threats to demolish the Dome of the Rock and build the alleged temple of Solomon, and the continual break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque by the settlers and the occupation forces," Radwan stated in his speech.
"The occupation still prevents the people of the West Bank and Jerusalem from praying at the Aqsa Mosque, knocks down the homes of the Jerusalemites and withdraws their IDs," he noted.
He warned that the ongoing Israeli excavations in Jerusalem and near the Aqsa Mosque entail urgent support from the Arab and Muslim nations.
For his part, Salah Sultan, the secretary-general of the higher council for Islamic affairs in Egypt, hailed in his speech the Gaza people and their resistance for the legendary steadfastness and courage they had showed during the Israeli wars.
Sultan stressed the importance for the Muslim nation to be united in support of the Palestinian cause.
He also said that the Egyptian delegation of scholars would organize after its return from Gaza a one-day hunger strike in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners and would continue their support for Palestine until its liberation.
Egyptian deputy minister of religious affairs Jamal Abdel-Sattar stated, in turn, that the Palestinian determination to challenge the occupation and resist it makes the Muslim nation anxiously anticipate the day of victory.
Earlier on Thursday, minister Ismail Radwan met with the Egyptian delegation of scholars led by Salah Sultan, head of the higher council for Islamic affairs in Egypt.
Radwan stated that the visit of the Egyptian scholars to Gaza sent a message to the Israeli occupation that Jerusalem is not alone.
"Your visit confirms that we share the same goal and role for the liberation of Palestine," Radwan highlighted.
Sultan, in turn, stated during the meeting that the armed resistance is the optimal way to rout the occupation.
He stressed that Egypt's scholars and intellectuals would keep backing the armed resistance against the occupation until Palestine is cleansed from the "Sons of Zion" and its land and prisoners are liberated.
This came during several speeches delivered in the fourth conference for the scholars of Egypt and Palestine that was held on Friday in the Gaza Strip.
Palestinian minister of religious affairs Ismail Radwan said this conference "underscores the deep relationship between Egypt and Palestine and contributes to breaking the blockade imposed on Gaza."
"We have come together to support Jerusalem, which is exposed to Judaization, plots, repeated threats to demolish the Dome of the Rock and build the alleged temple of Solomon, and the continual break-ins at the Aqsa Mosque by the settlers and the occupation forces," Radwan stated in his speech.
"The occupation still prevents the people of the West Bank and Jerusalem from praying at the Aqsa Mosque, knocks down the homes of the Jerusalemites and withdraws their IDs," he noted.
He warned that the ongoing Israeli excavations in Jerusalem and near the Aqsa Mosque entail urgent support from the Arab and Muslim nations.
For his part, Salah Sultan, the secretary-general of the higher council for Islamic affairs in Egypt, hailed in his speech the Gaza people and their resistance for the legendary steadfastness and courage they had showed during the Israeli wars.
Sultan stressed the importance for the Muslim nation to be united in support of the Palestinian cause.
He also said that the Egyptian delegation of scholars would organize after its return from Gaza a one-day hunger strike in solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners and would continue their support for Palestine until its liberation.
Egyptian deputy minister of religious affairs Jamal Abdel-Sattar stated, in turn, that the Palestinian determination to challenge the occupation and resist it makes the Muslim nation anxiously anticipate the day of victory.
Earlier on Thursday, minister Ismail Radwan met with the Egyptian delegation of scholars led by Salah Sultan, head of the higher council for Islamic affairs in Egypt.
Radwan stated that the visit of the Egyptian scholars to Gaza sent a message to the Israeli occupation that Jerusalem is not alone.
"Your visit confirms that we share the same goal and role for the liberation of Palestine," Radwan highlighted.
Sultan, in turn, stated during the meeting that the armed resistance is the optimal way to rout the occupation.
He stressed that Egypt's scholars and intellectuals would keep backing the armed resistance against the occupation until Palestine is cleansed from the "Sons of Zion" and its land and prisoners are liberated.
14 feb 2013
Egypt Floods Gaza Tunnels, Cuts Lifeline
Egyptian forces have flooded smuggling tunnels under the border with the Palestinian-ruled Gaza Strip in a campaign to shut them down, Egyptian and Palestinian officials said.
The network of tunnels is a vital lifeline for Gaza, bringing in an estimated 30 percent of all goods that reach the enclave and circumventing a blockade imposed by Israel for more than seven years.
Reuters reporters saw one tunnel being used to bring in cement and gravel suddenly fill with water on Sunday, sending workers rushing for safety. Locals said two other tunnels were likewise flooded, with Egyptians deliberately pumping in water.
"The Egyptians have opened the water to drown the tunnels," said Abu Ghassan, who supervises the work of 30 men at one tunnel some 200 meters (yards) from the border fence.
An Egyptian security official in the Sinai told Reuters the campaign started five days ago.
"We are using water to close the tunnels by raising water from one of the wells," he said, declining to be named.
Dozens of tunnels had been destroyed since last August following the killing of 16 Egyptian soldiers in a militant attack near the Gaza fence.
Cairo said some of the gunmen had crossed into Egypt via the tunnels - a charge denied by Palestinians - and ordered an immediate crackdown.
The move surprised and angered Gaza's rulers, the Islamist group Hamas, which had hoped for much better ties with Cairo following the election last year of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, an Islamist who is ideologically close to Hamas.
A Hamas official confirmed Egypt was again targeting the tunnels. He gave no further details and declined to speculate on the timing of the move, which started while Palestinian faction leaders met in Cairo to try to overcome deep divisions.
Criticizing Cairo
Hamas said on Monday the Egyptian-brokered talks, aimed at forging a unity government and healing the schism between politicians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, had gone badly but had not collapsed.
While Gaza's rulers have been reluctant to criticize Morsi in public, ordinary Gazans have been more vocal.
"Egyptian measures against tunnels have worsened since the election of Morsi. Our Hamas brothers thought he would open up Gaza. I guess they were wrong," said a tunnel owner, who identified himself only as Ayed, fearing reprisal.
"Perhaps 150 or 200 tunnels have been shut since the Sinai attack. This is the Morsi era," he added.
The tunnellers fear the water being pumped underground might collapse the passageways, with possible disastrous consequences.
"Water can cause cracks in the wall and may cause the collapse of the tunnel. It may kill people," said Ahmed Al-Shaer, a tunnel worker whose cousin died a year ago when a tunnel caved in on him.
Six Palestinians died in January in tunnel implosions, raising the death toll amongst workers to 233 since 2007, according to Gazan human rights groups, including an estimated 20 who died in various Israeli air attacks on the border lands.
Israel imposed its blockade for what it called security reasons in 2007. The United Nations has appealed for it to be lifted.
At one stage an estimated 2,500-3,000 tunnels snaked their way under the desert fence but the network has shrunk markedly since 2010, when Israel eased some of the limits they imposed on imports into the coastal enclave.
All goods still have to be screened before entering Gaza and Israel says some restrictions must remain on items that could be used to make or to store weapons.
This ensures the tunnels are still active, particularly to bring in building materials. Hamas also prefers using the tunnels to smuggle in fuel, thereby avoiding custom dues that are payable on oil crossing via Israel.
The network of tunnels is a vital lifeline for Gaza, bringing in an estimated 30 percent of all goods that reach the enclave and circumventing a blockade imposed by Israel for more than seven years.
Reuters reporters saw one tunnel being used to bring in cement and gravel suddenly fill with water on Sunday, sending workers rushing for safety. Locals said two other tunnels were likewise flooded, with Egyptians deliberately pumping in water.
"The Egyptians have opened the water to drown the tunnels," said Abu Ghassan, who supervises the work of 30 men at one tunnel some 200 meters (yards) from the border fence.
An Egyptian security official in the Sinai told Reuters the campaign started five days ago.
"We are using water to close the tunnels by raising water from one of the wells," he said, declining to be named.
Dozens of tunnels had been destroyed since last August following the killing of 16 Egyptian soldiers in a militant attack near the Gaza fence.
Cairo said some of the gunmen had crossed into Egypt via the tunnels - a charge denied by Palestinians - and ordered an immediate crackdown.
The move surprised and angered Gaza's rulers, the Islamist group Hamas, which had hoped for much better ties with Cairo following the election last year of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi, an Islamist who is ideologically close to Hamas.
A Hamas official confirmed Egypt was again targeting the tunnels. He gave no further details and declined to speculate on the timing of the move, which started while Palestinian faction leaders met in Cairo to try to overcome deep divisions.
Criticizing Cairo
Hamas said on Monday the Egyptian-brokered talks, aimed at forging a unity government and healing the schism between politicians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, had gone badly but had not collapsed.
While Gaza's rulers have been reluctant to criticize Morsi in public, ordinary Gazans have been more vocal.
"Egyptian measures against tunnels have worsened since the election of Morsi. Our Hamas brothers thought he would open up Gaza. I guess they were wrong," said a tunnel owner, who identified himself only as Ayed, fearing reprisal.
"Perhaps 150 or 200 tunnels have been shut since the Sinai attack. This is the Morsi era," he added.
The tunnellers fear the water being pumped underground might collapse the passageways, with possible disastrous consequences.
"Water can cause cracks in the wall and may cause the collapse of the tunnel. It may kill people," said Ahmed Al-Shaer, a tunnel worker whose cousin died a year ago when a tunnel caved in on him.
Six Palestinians died in January in tunnel implosions, raising the death toll amongst workers to 233 since 2007, according to Gazan human rights groups, including an estimated 20 who died in various Israeli air attacks on the border lands.
Israel imposed its blockade for what it called security reasons in 2007. The United Nations has appealed for it to be lifted.
At one stage an estimated 2,500-3,000 tunnels snaked their way under the desert fence but the network has shrunk markedly since 2010, when Israel eased some of the limits they imposed on imports into the coastal enclave.
All goods still have to be screened before entering Gaza and Israel says some restrictions must remain on items that could be used to make or to store weapons.
This ensures the tunnels are still active, particularly to bring in building materials. Hamas also prefers using the tunnels to smuggle in fuel, thereby avoiding custom dues that are payable on oil crossing via Israel.
11 feb 2013
Resheq: We made great progress in the national talks in Cairo
Member of Hamas's political bureau Ezzat Al-Resheq said his Movement made significant progress during the meeting with leaders of the Palestinian liberation organization (PLO) in Cairo.
Resheq refuted, in a press statement to the London-based Al-Hayat newspaper on Monday, news reports claiming that the meeting failed and did not achieve the results which the Palestinians were looking forward to.
"Quite the reverse, we consider this round of meetings positive, even if it did not achieve the progress we had hoped for," the Hamas official stated.
"Arrangements and preparations for the elections of the Palestinian national council and the restructuring of the PLO on sound foundations are just around the corner after they had been stalled since 2005," he affirmed.
Commenting on the upcoming visit of the US president to Palestine, the official said that his movement is aware that there are foreign parties seeking to frustrate the Palestinian reconciliation, but it still believes that Mahmoud Abbas is keen on achieving it.
In a related context, member of Hamas's political bureau Saleh Aruri said it would be useless to call for elections in light of the ongoing political arrest campaigns against Hamas cadres and supporters in the West Bank.
Aruri told Al-Aqsa satellite channel that the political arrests and summonses escalated during this year in the West Bank even during the recent reconciliation talks in Cairo.
He asserted that 91 arrest incidents had been documented since the beginning of the year.
The Hamas official added that the Palestinian authority security forces also raided homes belonging to Hamas prisoners and martyrs, and confiscated the financial allocations of many families.
The official also said that Hamas asked Egypt to send a committee to Gaza to make sure that all parties are committed to creating the atmosphere for the Palestinian reconciliation and ending all arrests and restrictions on freedoms.
Resheq refuted, in a press statement to the London-based Al-Hayat newspaper on Monday, news reports claiming that the meeting failed and did not achieve the results which the Palestinians were looking forward to.
"Quite the reverse, we consider this round of meetings positive, even if it did not achieve the progress we had hoped for," the Hamas official stated.
"Arrangements and preparations for the elections of the Palestinian national council and the restructuring of the PLO on sound foundations are just around the corner after they had been stalled since 2005," he affirmed.
Commenting on the upcoming visit of the US president to Palestine, the official said that his movement is aware that there are foreign parties seeking to frustrate the Palestinian reconciliation, but it still believes that Mahmoud Abbas is keen on achieving it.
In a related context, member of Hamas's political bureau Saleh Aruri said it would be useless to call for elections in light of the ongoing political arrest campaigns against Hamas cadres and supporters in the West Bank.
Aruri told Al-Aqsa satellite channel that the political arrests and summonses escalated during this year in the West Bank even during the recent reconciliation talks in Cairo.
He asserted that 91 arrest incidents had been documented since the beginning of the year.
The Hamas official added that the Palestinian authority security forces also raided homes belonging to Hamas prisoners and martyrs, and confiscated the financial allocations of many families.
The official also said that Hamas asked Egypt to send a committee to Gaza to make sure that all parties are committed to creating the atmosphere for the Palestinian reconciliation and ending all arrests and restrictions on freedoms.
Egypt sentences Israeli to 2 years in prison
Harsh sentence surprises family of Andre Pshenichnikov who was arrested for infiltrating Egyptian border; friends suspect decision swayed by 'politics'
A Nuweiba court in the Sinai Peninsula sentenced Israeli citizen Andre Pshenichnikov, 24, who was arrested in December for illegally infiltrating the Egyptian border, to two years in prison. An appeal is expected to be filed Wednesday.
Friends of Pshenichnikov told Ynet that the sentence came as great surprise, seeing as the maximum penalty for infiltration is six months imprisonment.
Sources with the Foreign Ministry reported that the ministry was monitoring the proceedings. The defendant's mother, Svetlana Pshenichnikov, told Ynet that she could not make sense of the decision: "We don’t understand. It doesn’t make any sense. I'm so worried; I'm in shock. The Foreign Ministry said they were taking care of it, but I don’t understand what happened. I don’t know what to think anymore.
I have hope, but it's not up to me." Lizzie, Andre's friend, also expressed great shock upon hearing of the sentence: "There had already been two judicial decisions to deport him, and after an appeal we were asked to surrender his passport. So we did; we got his passport from Israel and handed it in. We expected the worst case scenario would be deportation within six months, even though a judge determined that he'd be deported immediately."
Lizzie estimated that the unexpected two-year-sentence was swayed by "Politics, because they had already decided to send him away. Our lawyer there said that Andre was also shocked."
She added that though an appeal was expected to be filed Wednesday "the Foreign Ministry cannot help and the embassy there is in shambles. We're pretty much on our own with this and we need all the help we can get.
"If he's sent to jail, he'll probably be incarcerated farther from the Israeli border, perhaps in Cairo, which will make it harder for us to visit him. We ask for the help of anyone who knows the Egyptian legal system… any help would be welcome."
When he was first apprehended, Pshenichnikov was suspected of taking pictures of secret security facilities in Taba. Egyptian sources reported that he admitted to working with pro-Palestinian organizations and had entered Sinai in order to execute a "dangerous mission commissioned by Israel's defense establishment."
Pshenichnikov immigrated to Israel from Tajikistan 11 years ago. Last year, he lived near a Palestinian refugee camp in the Bethlehem area in an attempt to prove that Israelis and Arabs can coexist. His mother told Ynet that her son was an "activist for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, which is very dangerous. He's been arrested before, so I took all my money and got him a ticket to Paris. He just returned recently."
"He's an Israeli citizen," the mother reiterated. "I beg that they bring him back. I'm afraid that he may not be held by the police, but by a group of terrorists. I ask for help, and if the state won't help, I ask for permits to go there myself – that they let my husband and I cross the border."
A Nuweiba court in the Sinai Peninsula sentenced Israeli citizen Andre Pshenichnikov, 24, who was arrested in December for illegally infiltrating the Egyptian border, to two years in prison. An appeal is expected to be filed Wednesday.
Friends of Pshenichnikov told Ynet that the sentence came as great surprise, seeing as the maximum penalty for infiltration is six months imprisonment.
Sources with the Foreign Ministry reported that the ministry was monitoring the proceedings. The defendant's mother, Svetlana Pshenichnikov, told Ynet that she could not make sense of the decision: "We don’t understand. It doesn’t make any sense. I'm so worried; I'm in shock. The Foreign Ministry said they were taking care of it, but I don’t understand what happened. I don’t know what to think anymore.
I have hope, but it's not up to me." Lizzie, Andre's friend, also expressed great shock upon hearing of the sentence: "There had already been two judicial decisions to deport him, and after an appeal we were asked to surrender his passport. So we did; we got his passport from Israel and handed it in. We expected the worst case scenario would be deportation within six months, even though a judge determined that he'd be deported immediately."
Lizzie estimated that the unexpected two-year-sentence was swayed by "Politics, because they had already decided to send him away. Our lawyer there said that Andre was also shocked."
She added that though an appeal was expected to be filed Wednesday "the Foreign Ministry cannot help and the embassy there is in shambles. We're pretty much on our own with this and we need all the help we can get.
"If he's sent to jail, he'll probably be incarcerated farther from the Israeli border, perhaps in Cairo, which will make it harder for us to visit him. We ask for the help of anyone who knows the Egyptian legal system… any help would be welcome."
When he was first apprehended, Pshenichnikov was suspected of taking pictures of secret security facilities in Taba. Egyptian sources reported that he admitted to working with pro-Palestinian organizations and had entered Sinai in order to execute a "dangerous mission commissioned by Israel's defense establishment."
Pshenichnikov immigrated to Israel from Tajikistan 11 years ago. Last year, he lived near a Palestinian refugee camp in the Bethlehem area in an attempt to prove that Israelis and Arabs can coexist. His mother told Ynet that her son was an "activist for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, which is very dangerous. He's been arrested before, so I took all my money and got him a ticket to Paris. He just returned recently."
"He's an Israeli citizen," the mother reiterated. "I beg that they bring him back. I'm afraid that he may not be held by the police, but by a group of terrorists. I ask for help, and if the state won't help, I ask for permits to go there myself – that they let my husband and I cross the border."
9 feb 2013
Egyptian Army Stops Five Weapons Shipments Heading To Gaza
(File Photo)
Israeli Yedioth Aharonoth reported Friday that the Egyptian army has intensified its activities in Sinai, over the past few weeks, and thwarted five attempts to smuggle weapons to the Gaza Strip.
The paper said that large quantities of weapons have been seized by the Egyptian army as part of extensive military activities that led to foiling five attempts to smuggle weapons to the coastal region.
Earlier in January, the Egyptian Security Services announced that it managed to uncover a weapons storage facility loaded with advances missiles, including antitank and antiaircraft missiles, that weapon dealers intended to smuggle into the Gaza Strip via border tunnels. The facility was located in Bir el-Lahfan area, south of Al-Arish.
In December of last year, the Egyptian security forces located a missile storage facility in the same area, and confiscated 17 French missiles that were ready to be smuggled into the Gaza Strip via the tunnels.
Israeli Yedioth Aharonoth reported Friday that the Egyptian army has intensified its activities in Sinai, over the past few weeks, and thwarted five attempts to smuggle weapons to the Gaza Strip.
The paper said that large quantities of weapons have been seized by the Egyptian army as part of extensive military activities that led to foiling five attempts to smuggle weapons to the coastal region.
Earlier in January, the Egyptian Security Services announced that it managed to uncover a weapons storage facility loaded with advances missiles, including antitank and antiaircraft missiles, that weapon dealers intended to smuggle into the Gaza Strip via border tunnels. The facility was located in Bir el-Lahfan area, south of Al-Arish.
In December of last year, the Egyptian security forces located a missile storage facility in the same area, and confiscated 17 French missiles that were ready to be smuggled into the Gaza Strip via the tunnels.
7 feb 2013
Mursi confirms the Islamic Summit's support for the Palestinian cause
Egyptian President Mohamed Mursi, confirmed that the Palestinian issue was, still is and will remain the cornerstone for achieving security and stability in the world, and it will remain "our main cause and the ultimate goal of our organization, which was established after al-Aqsa mosque fire in 1969."
Mursi, who headed the 12th Islamic Summit in Cairo, said that the most important objectives of the organization are to support the Palestinian people's right to resist, to restore their legitimate rights and to establish their sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital. "Egypt is clearly and firmly committed to supporting the Palestinian people until they gain their freedom in an independent state," Mursi said.
He stressed that "Egypt has sought to support our brothers trapped in Gaza, and to stop the brutal assault they suffered last November."
Mursi congratulated the Palestinians for granting Palestine Observer status by a United Nations General Assembly resolution.
He called for a united Islamic decision to face the Israeli settlement on Palestinian lands. "The international community has a responsibility to stop settlement activity on Palestinian land, which stabs the peace process in the heart,” he added.
He pointed out that the Summit will discuss in a special session on Wednesday evening the settlements issue, calling on leaders to contribute actively and positively in the deliberations of the meeting.
A summit for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation opened in Cairo on Wednesday, attended by leaders of 26 states.
Mursi, who headed the 12th Islamic Summit in Cairo, said that the most important objectives of the organization are to support the Palestinian people's right to resist, to restore their legitimate rights and to establish their sovereign state with Jerusalem as its capital. "Egypt is clearly and firmly committed to supporting the Palestinian people until they gain their freedom in an independent state," Mursi said.
He stressed that "Egypt has sought to support our brothers trapped in Gaza, and to stop the brutal assault they suffered last November."
Mursi congratulated the Palestinians for granting Palestine Observer status by a United Nations General Assembly resolution.
He called for a united Islamic decision to face the Israeli settlement on Palestinian lands. "The international community has a responsibility to stop settlement activity on Palestinian land, which stabs the peace process in the heart,” he added.
He pointed out that the Summit will discuss in a special session on Wednesday evening the settlements issue, calling on leaders to contribute actively and positively in the deliberations of the meeting.
A summit for the Organization of Islamic Cooperation opened in Cairo on Wednesday, attended by leaders of 26 states.
29 jan 2013
Bardawil: Egyptian media outlets launching systematic campaign against Hamas
Dr. Salah Al-Bardawil, a Hamas leader, has said that a number of Egyptian media outlets were involved in a concentrated incitement campaign against Hamas supported by the “Zionist entity”.
Bardawil told the PIC on Tuesday that huge funds are being channeled for those outlets to smear Hamas and accuse the movement with involvement in the internal Egyptian incidents.
He stressed his movement’s policy of not interfering in any country’s internal affairs and any other reports in this regard are mere fabrication aimed at serving certain political ends.
Hamas is keen on maintaining mutual relations based on respect with all except Israel, Bardawil said, adding that Hamas is keen on Egypt’s security and considers it part of Palestine’s security.
The Hamas leader affirmed that whoever spreads such rumors was definitely connected to the “Zionist propaganda machine” that always seeks to drive a wedge between Hamas and the Egyptian people.
For his part, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said on his Facebook page on Tuesday that the media campaign was a “desperate attempt to smear Hamas”.
He said that his movement stands at equal footing with all Egyptian political parties, adding that enemies to Egypt and Hamas are the only parties benefitting from such a campaign.
A number of Egyptian media outlets recently claimed that thousands of Hamas fighters had entered Egypt through Gaza tunnels to support president Mohammed Morsi in face of his political opponents.
Bardawil told the PIC on Tuesday that huge funds are being channeled for those outlets to smear Hamas and accuse the movement with involvement in the internal Egyptian incidents.
He stressed his movement’s policy of not interfering in any country’s internal affairs and any other reports in this regard are mere fabrication aimed at serving certain political ends.
Hamas is keen on maintaining mutual relations based on respect with all except Israel, Bardawil said, adding that Hamas is keen on Egypt’s security and considers it part of Palestine’s security.
The Hamas leader affirmed that whoever spreads such rumors was definitely connected to the “Zionist propaganda machine” that always seeks to drive a wedge between Hamas and the Egyptian people.
For his part, Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said on his Facebook page on Tuesday that the media campaign was a “desperate attempt to smear Hamas”.
He said that his movement stands at equal footing with all Egyptian political parties, adding that enemies to Egypt and Hamas are the only parties benefitting from such a campaign.
A number of Egyptian media outlets recently claimed that thousands of Hamas fighters had entered Egypt through Gaza tunnels to support president Mohammed Morsi in face of his political opponents.
23 jan 2013
Abu Marzouk denounces claims about Hamas and Mursi's relationship
Deputy head of the Political Bureau of Hamas, Moussa Abu Marzouk, declared that the Gaza Strip is Egypt's eastern gateway, praising the Egyptian role towards the Palestinian cause, stressing that the Palestinian reconciliation will take place during the next few months.
Abu Marzouk's statements came during a seminar held by the Arab front participating in the Palestinian resistance, on Tuesday evening at the Egyptian Press Syndicate under the title "For how long will Palestinians stay in Egypt".
Abu Marzouk expressed his surprise toward the seminar's title, saying "When I received the invitation and read the title (For how long will the Palestinians stay in Egypt?), I wondered how many Palestinians are there in Egypt to ask such a question?
Abu Marzouk stated that statistics confirmed that 3.5 million Palestinian refugees are in Jordan, while 300 thousand Palestinian refugees are in Saudi Arabia, and 67 thousand Palestinian refugees are in Syria, however only 54 thousand Palestinian refugees are in Egypt.
Regarding accusing Hamas of opening the Egyptian prisons during the Egyptian revolution, and causing power cuts in Egypt; Abu Marzouk denounced the military council's statement that accused the Palestinian resistance of killing the Egyptian people on the border in the last operation, pointing out that the power crisis experienced by Egypt during the revolution was caused due to the disruption of power plants that run by gas exported to the Israeli entity.
Abu Marzouk refused the claims raised about Hamas and Mursi's relationship, saying that 'this is an Egyptian internal political fight, and we have no relation with it," stressing that the border crossings are used only to enter the necessary food.
Mohamed Esmat Seif El Dawla, former adviser to the Egyptian president, said that many have marginalized the Palestinian cause due to the treaties signed between the two sides and the clear division between Fatah and Hamas movements.
Abu Marzouk's statements came during a seminar held by the Arab front participating in the Palestinian resistance, on Tuesday evening at the Egyptian Press Syndicate under the title "For how long will Palestinians stay in Egypt".
Abu Marzouk expressed his surprise toward the seminar's title, saying "When I received the invitation and read the title (For how long will the Palestinians stay in Egypt?), I wondered how many Palestinians are there in Egypt to ask such a question?
Abu Marzouk stated that statistics confirmed that 3.5 million Palestinian refugees are in Jordan, while 300 thousand Palestinian refugees are in Saudi Arabia, and 67 thousand Palestinian refugees are in Syria, however only 54 thousand Palestinian refugees are in Egypt.
Regarding accusing Hamas of opening the Egyptian prisons during the Egyptian revolution, and causing power cuts in Egypt; Abu Marzouk denounced the military council's statement that accused the Palestinian resistance of killing the Egyptian people on the border in the last operation, pointing out that the power crisis experienced by Egypt during the revolution was caused due to the disruption of power plants that run by gas exported to the Israeli entity.
Abu Marzouk refused the claims raised about Hamas and Mursi's relationship, saying that 'this is an Egyptian internal political fight, and we have no relation with it," stressing that the border crossings are used only to enter the necessary food.
Mohamed Esmat Seif El Dawla, former adviser to the Egyptian president, said that many have marginalized the Palestinian cause due to the treaties signed between the two sides and the clear division between Fatah and Hamas movements.
Egyptian intelligence detains Bahar, MPs at Cairo airport
The Egyptian intelligence detained deputy speaker of the Palestinian legislative council Dr. Ahmed Bahar and two members of a parliamentary delegation at Cairo airport on Wednesday for two hours.
A well informed source told the PIC reporter that Bahar was detained along with MP Huda Naim and Dr. Atef Odwan while on their way back to Gaza from an official visit to The Sudan.
The source said that what happened was probably the result of a misunderstanding.
A well informed source told the PIC reporter that Bahar was detained along with MP Huda Naim and Dr. Atef Odwan while on their way back to Gaza from an official visit to The Sudan.
The source said that what happened was probably the result of a misunderstanding.
16 jan 2013
Israeli lobby wage a fierce campaign against Egyptian President
"Al Quds Al Arabi" Newspaper revealed in Wednesday's edition that the Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi has been subjected to a fierce "disastrous" campaign waged by the Israeli lobby against him.
The lobby has been searching for all Morsi's previous speeches and statements in which he criticized the Jews, to use them to distort his image. It is the same campaign that has been waged against the Westerners, Muslims, Arabs and some Jews who reject the Israeli racist policies adopted against the Palestinians in the occupied territories.
Al Quds Al Arabi Newspaper reported that "the White House strongly condemned on Tuesday comments that Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi had made in 2010 when he was a Muslim Brotherhood leader, while Israeli and Jewish community regarded them as anti-Semitic in nature."
White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters that the language Morsi had used was "deeply offensive" and that US officials raised concerns with the Egyptian government on the matter.
Nearly three years ago, Mursi, as an Islamist political leader, delivered a speech urging Egyptians to "nurse our children and our grandchildren on hatred for Jews and Zionists," the New York Times reported.
In a television interview months later, the newspaper said he described Zionists as "these bloodsuckers who attack the Palestinians, these warmongers, the descendants of apes and pigs".
The lobby has been searching for all Morsi's previous speeches and statements in which he criticized the Jews, to use them to distort his image. It is the same campaign that has been waged against the Westerners, Muslims, Arabs and some Jews who reject the Israeli racist policies adopted against the Palestinians in the occupied territories.
Al Quds Al Arabi Newspaper reported that "the White House strongly condemned on Tuesday comments that Egyptian President Muhammad Morsi had made in 2010 when he was a Muslim Brotherhood leader, while Israeli and Jewish community regarded them as anti-Semitic in nature."
White House spokesman Jay Carney told reporters that the language Morsi had used was "deeply offensive" and that US officials raised concerns with the Egyptian government on the matter.
Nearly three years ago, Mursi, as an Islamist political leader, delivered a speech urging Egyptians to "nurse our children and our grandchildren on hatred for Jews and Zionists," the New York Times reported.
In a television interview months later, the newspaper said he described Zionists as "these bloodsuckers who attack the Palestinians, these warmongers, the descendants of apes and pigs".
14 jan 2013
Egyptian delegation concludes its visit to Gaza after a series of meetings
The Egyptian sports delegation ended a two-day visit to Gaza during which they arranged for a football match in Gaza between a team of international stars and another Arab team to take place in June to protest the European championship to be played in "Israel."
The Palestinian Prime Minister Haniyeh has received the Egyptian sports delegation on Sunday at his home in Gaza City, saying that "this historic visit of the Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports Ameri Farouk to the Gaza Strip came as a clear declaration to break the siege imposed on the Palestinian sports."
The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of sport unions accompanying the delegation with the Palestinian Olympic Committee, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Gaza.
The delegation has visited the Islamic University in Gaza City, and the home of Hamas founder martyr Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the Council of Ministers, which was destroyed by Israeli warplanes in the recent war on Gaza, and the solidarity tent with prisoners outside the Red Cross building in Gaza City.
The Egyptian sports delegation has visited the Palestine Stadium ravaged by Israeli aircraft, where Farouk said that he would work through the Council of Ministers of Arab Youth and Sports, Egyptian clubs and associations and media to establish a match between Arab elite stars Arabs led by player Mohammed Abu Trika and a team of international stars headed by Frederic Omar Kanoute Mali National football team player
Farouk pointed out that this match will take place on June 5, which marks the opening of the European championship to be held in "Israel" protesting against choosing "Israel" as a host for the tournament.
The Egyptian delegation visit was ended by a match between the members of the delegation, including the most prominent journalist and Egyptian former goalkeeper Ahmed Shuber and Egyptian Sports minister Farouk, and a group of former Gaza players, including PM Haniyeh.
The Palestinian Prime Minister Haniyeh has received the Egyptian sports delegation on Sunday at his home in Gaza City, saying that "this historic visit of the Egyptian Minister of Youth and Sports Ameri Farouk to the Gaza Strip came as a clear declaration to break the siege imposed on the Palestinian sports."
The meeting was attended by heads and representatives of sport unions accompanying the delegation with the Palestinian Olympic Committee, and the Ministry of Youth and Sports in Gaza.
The delegation has visited the Islamic University in Gaza City, and the home of Hamas founder martyr Sheikh Ahmed Yassin, the Council of Ministers, which was destroyed by Israeli warplanes in the recent war on Gaza, and the solidarity tent with prisoners outside the Red Cross building in Gaza City.
The Egyptian sports delegation has visited the Palestine Stadium ravaged by Israeli aircraft, where Farouk said that he would work through the Council of Ministers of Arab Youth and Sports, Egyptian clubs and associations and media to establish a match between Arab elite stars Arabs led by player Mohammed Abu Trika and a team of international stars headed by Frederic Omar Kanoute Mali National football team player
Farouk pointed out that this match will take place on June 5, which marks the opening of the European championship to be held in "Israel" protesting against choosing "Israel" as a host for the tournament.
The Egyptian delegation visit was ended by a match between the members of the delegation, including the most prominent journalist and Egyptian former goalkeeper Ahmed Shuber and Egyptian Sports minister Farouk, and a group of former Gaza players, including PM Haniyeh.
13 jan 2013
Haniyeh: Egypt's security is our security
Ismail Haniya, Gaza Prime Minister, considered the arrival of the Egyptian delegation, headed by Egypt's Minister of Sport, to the Gaza Strip as "an Egyptian and Arab declaration of breaking the siege imposed on Gaza's sports." This came today during the reception of the Egyptian delegation by Haniyeh at his home in the Shati refugee camp in western Gaza.
The delegation is headed by Egyptian Minister of Sports, Ameri Farouk, and includes about 70 athletes, media figures in the field of sports and members of the Egyptian Shura Council.
The Prime Minister said the visit was historic "and represented an Egyptian and Arab explicit declaration of breaking the siege imposed on sports in Palestine and the Gaza Strip."
He has also hailed the Egyptian role in defending Palestine, noting that the victory of Gaza during the recent eight-day war represents a victory for Egypt.
He expressed appreciation for the role and the great efforts, made by Egypt and headed by Egyptian President, to complete the reconciliation, adding that the national unity is a strategic choice and that division must be ended in order to form a single government.
Gaza Premier also thanked Egypt for its efforts made in the reconstruction file, and noted that large quantities of Qatari fuel were allowed today to Gaza through Egypt.
Haniyeh confirmed that Gaza will defend the security of Egypt from east to west, and said "Egypt's security is our security and Egypt's stability is our stability ... Sinai will always be part of Egypt and Gaza will always be part of Palestine."
For his part; Egypt's Minister of Sports thanked the prime minister in Gaza and the Palestinian people for the warm reception, explaining that "the most important objective of the delegation is to break the siege on Palestine's sports."
He noted that a number of tournaments will be organized between Palestine and Egypt until the lifting of the siege imposed on Palestine, and condemned targeting the infrastructure of the Palestinian Sports.
The delegation is headed by Egyptian Minister of Sports, Ameri Farouk, and includes about 70 athletes, media figures in the field of sports and members of the Egyptian Shura Council.
The Prime Minister said the visit was historic "and represented an Egyptian and Arab explicit declaration of breaking the siege imposed on sports in Palestine and the Gaza Strip."
He has also hailed the Egyptian role in defending Palestine, noting that the victory of Gaza during the recent eight-day war represents a victory for Egypt.
He expressed appreciation for the role and the great efforts, made by Egypt and headed by Egyptian President, to complete the reconciliation, adding that the national unity is a strategic choice and that division must be ended in order to form a single government.
Gaza Premier also thanked Egypt for its efforts made in the reconstruction file, and noted that large quantities of Qatari fuel were allowed today to Gaza through Egypt.
Haniyeh confirmed that Gaza will defend the security of Egypt from east to west, and said "Egypt's security is our security and Egypt's stability is our stability ... Sinai will always be part of Egypt and Gaza will always be part of Palestine."
For his part; Egypt's Minister of Sports thanked the prime minister in Gaza and the Palestinian people for the warm reception, explaining that "the most important objective of the delegation is to break the siege on Palestine's sports."
He noted that a number of tournaments will be organized between Palestine and Egypt until the lifting of the siege imposed on Palestine, and condemned targeting the infrastructure of the Palestinian Sports.
10 jan 2013
Egypt Says Israel Stole Sand
The country wants a reasonable $500 billion for Israel’s years in Sinai.
In a short, 750-page report sent to the United Nations recently, Egypt demanded $500 billion dollars from Israel as compensation for damages inflicted on the Sinai Peninsula from 1967 to 1982, when Israel occupied the region.
Among other grievances, Egypt has accused Israel of disrupting maritime trade in the Suez Canal, thus depriving Egypt of millions of dollars’ worth of revenue, and stealing just under $50 billion worth of sand. Those involved with Egypt’s legal proceedings voiced concern that the country was left with annoyingly breathtaking views of the area and “worthless rock” like Mount Sinai.
In response to accusations that Egypt wants a disproportionate sum worth more than Israel’s entire operating budget, authorities referenced the peace agreement signed in 1979 and confirmed that they were just trying to futher develop friendly relations.
Up until now, the UN has ignored the report, so Egyptian authorities have forwarded it on to the U.S. administration via Gmail in the hopes that they will have better luck pressuring Israel into paying up.
As Tablet learned through a White House official who may or may not exist, President Barack Obama has weighed in: “I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m interested in this issue if and only if I can be assured that I’ll be able to secure another Nobel Peace Prize for my involvement.”
Important Israeli lawyers have already started preparing their rebuttal, should the case go to court. “Taking into account disruptions to Israel’s trade, the number of cargo shipments seized, and the money we’re losing from phantom toll booths, we were pleased to realize that Egypt actually owes us $1 trillion.”
At press time, Egypt was contemplating also filing suit against the Ottoman Empire for goblet theft in the years between 1507-1906.
Egypt Seeks $500B from Israel for Sinai Damage [Nuqudy]
In a short, 750-page report sent to the United Nations recently, Egypt demanded $500 billion dollars from Israel as compensation for damages inflicted on the Sinai Peninsula from 1967 to 1982, when Israel occupied the region.
Among other grievances, Egypt has accused Israel of disrupting maritime trade in the Suez Canal, thus depriving Egypt of millions of dollars’ worth of revenue, and stealing just under $50 billion worth of sand. Those involved with Egypt’s legal proceedings voiced concern that the country was left with annoyingly breathtaking views of the area and “worthless rock” like Mount Sinai.
In response to accusations that Egypt wants a disproportionate sum worth more than Israel’s entire operating budget, authorities referenced the peace agreement signed in 1979 and confirmed that they were just trying to futher develop friendly relations.
Up until now, the UN has ignored the report, so Egyptian authorities have forwarded it on to the U.S. administration via Gmail in the hopes that they will have better luck pressuring Israel into paying up.
As Tablet learned through a White House official who may or may not exist, President Barack Obama has weighed in: “I’ve come to the conclusion that I’m interested in this issue if and only if I can be assured that I’ll be able to secure another Nobel Peace Prize for my involvement.”
Important Israeli lawyers have already started preparing their rebuttal, should the case go to court. “Taking into account disruptions to Israel’s trade, the number of cargo shipments seized, and the money we’re losing from phantom toll booths, we were pleased to realize that Egypt actually owes us $1 trillion.”
At press time, Egypt was contemplating also filing suit against the Ottoman Empire for goblet theft in the years between 1507-1906.
Egypt Seeks $500B from Israel for Sinai Damage [Nuqudy]
Abbas Meets Morsi In Cairo
Following his Wednesday meeting with Khaled Mashal of Hamas, and several Hamas officials in Cairo, Palestinian President, Mahmoud Abbas, held a meeting with his Egyptian counterpart, Mohammad Morsi.
The meeting between Abbas and Morsi took place at the Presidential Palace in Masr Al-Jadeeda, in the Egyptian capital.
The meeting focused on various important issues topped by the Palestinian achievement of a nonmember state status at the UN General Assembly, and the efforts to achieve comprehensive Palestinian unity, including the efforts to implement the Egyptian-mediated Palestinian National Reconciliation Agreement signed on May 4, 2001, the Bokra Net Arabic Language news website reported.
The Abbas-Morsi meeting was attended several Palestinian and Egyptian officials, including Dr. Sa’eb Erekat of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), Azzam Al-Ahmad in charge of the National Relations at the Central Committee of Fateh movement, Palestinian Intelligence Chief, Majid Faraj, and the Palestinian Ambassador in Cairo, Palestinian envoy to the Arab League, Barakaat Al-Farra.
On The Egyptian side, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Amro, Egypt’s Intelligence Chief, Ra’fat Shihata, and Egypt’s President’s Advisor for Foreign Affairs, Isam Al-Haddad, attended the meeting.
Also on Wednesday, Abbas held a meeting in Cairo with Hamas’ political bureau chief, Khaled Mashal. The meeting was part of a series of meetings, mediated by Egypt, that will take place between senior Fateh and Hamas officials.
Leaders of the two movements stated that the Abbas-Mashal meeting aims at discussing arrangements for implementing the previously signed unity agreement, and the efforts to restructure and reform the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).
The meeting between Abbas and Morsi took place at the Presidential Palace in Masr Al-Jadeeda, in the Egyptian capital.
The meeting focused on various important issues topped by the Palestinian achievement of a nonmember state status at the UN General Assembly, and the efforts to achieve comprehensive Palestinian unity, including the efforts to implement the Egyptian-mediated Palestinian National Reconciliation Agreement signed on May 4, 2001, the Bokra Net Arabic Language news website reported.
The Abbas-Morsi meeting was attended several Palestinian and Egyptian officials, including Dr. Sa’eb Erekat of the Executive Committee of the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO), Azzam Al-Ahmad in charge of the National Relations at the Central Committee of Fateh movement, Palestinian Intelligence Chief, Majid Faraj, and the Palestinian Ambassador in Cairo, Palestinian envoy to the Arab League, Barakaat Al-Farra.
On The Egyptian side, Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Mohammad Amro, Egypt’s Intelligence Chief, Ra’fat Shihata, and Egypt’s President’s Advisor for Foreign Affairs, Isam Al-Haddad, attended the meeting.
Also on Wednesday, Abbas held a meeting in Cairo with Hamas’ political bureau chief, Khaled Mashal. The meeting was part of a series of meetings, mediated by Egypt, that will take place between senior Fateh and Hamas officials.
Leaders of the two movements stated that the Abbas-Mashal meeting aims at discussing arrangements for implementing the previously signed unity agreement, and the efforts to restructure and reform the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO).
Morsi meets Hamas delegation led by Mishaal
Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi received on Wednesday evening Khaled Mishaal, the political bureau chairman of Hamas, and the accompanying delegation in Cairo. Ezzet Al-Resheq, political bureau member of Hamas, said on his Facebook page that the discussions tackled overall Palestinian developments in addition to national reconciliation.
Mishaal also conferred with Mahmoud Abbas, PA chief and Fatah leader, who is also in Cairo at the head of a Fatah delegation to discuss means of achieving reconciliation and ending the internal Palestinian division.
Mishaal also conferred with Mahmoud Abbas, PA chief and Fatah leader, who is also in Cairo at the head of a Fatah delegation to discuss means of achieving reconciliation and ending the internal Palestinian division.
8 jan 2013
Abu Marzouk: Mishaal, Abbas to meet Morsi on Wednesday
Political bureau chairman of Hamas Khaled Mishaal and PA chief and Fatah leader Mahmoud Abbas are scheduled to meet Egyptian president Mohammed Morsi in Cairo on Wednesday.
Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk, the deputy political bureau chairman of Hamas, said in a press release on his Facebook page on Tuesday that Mishaal and Abbas would be leading Hamas and Fatah delegations that are expected in the Egyptian capital on Tuesday.
He said that the “Egyptian brothers will exert more efforts in a bid to end the internal Palestinian division”.
Morsi: I invited Mashaal and Abbas to meet in Cairo
Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi said he will sponsor a meeting between Hamas and Fatah leaders in Cairo soon to resume the national reconciliation talks.
In an interview by the CNN, Morsi added that he had invited Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal to come to Cairo to table the contentious files and the mechanism to implement them on the ground.
He stressed that the achievement of the national reconciliation between the Palestinian rivals would not be an easy mission.
In another context, Sheikh Ayed Qarni, an acclaimed Saudi religious figure, said in a press statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the support provided for Gaza people by Egypt and its people is a sacred duty.
Sheikh Qarni, who was in Cairo on Sunday, the noted Egyptian role in Gaza does not absolve the rest of the Arab and Muslim countries from their responsibilities.
He also called on all Arab and Muslim leaders to pool their efforts in support of the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem, and condemned the situation of begging peace from the Israeli occupation as shameful.
Dr. Mousa Abu Marzouk, the deputy political bureau chairman of Hamas, said in a press release on his Facebook page on Tuesday that Mishaal and Abbas would be leading Hamas and Fatah delegations that are expected in the Egyptian capital on Tuesday.
He said that the “Egyptian brothers will exert more efforts in a bid to end the internal Palestinian division”.
Morsi: I invited Mashaal and Abbas to meet in Cairo
Egyptian president Mohamed Morsi said he will sponsor a meeting between Hamas and Fatah leaders in Cairo soon to resume the national reconciliation talks.
In an interview by the CNN, Morsi added that he had invited Mahmoud Abbas and Hamas political leader Khaled Mashaal to come to Cairo to table the contentious files and the mechanism to implement them on the ground.
He stressed that the achievement of the national reconciliation between the Palestinian rivals would not be an easy mission.
In another context, Sheikh Ayed Qarni, an acclaimed Saudi religious figure, said in a press statement to the Palestinian information center (PIC) that the support provided for Gaza people by Egypt and its people is a sacred duty.
Sheikh Qarni, who was in Cairo on Sunday, the noted Egyptian role in Gaza does not absolve the rest of the Arab and Muslim countries from their responsibilities.
He also called on all Arab and Muslim leaders to pool their efforts in support of the Palestinian cause and Jerusalem, and condemned the situation of begging peace from the Israeli occupation as shameful.
6 jan 2013
Bahar urges Egyptian youth to contribute to documenting Israeli crimes
Dr. Ahmed Bahar, the First Deputy Chairman of the Legislative Council, confirmed that the Arab Spring revolutions contributed to the resistance's victory, "after the demise of some oppressive regimes that have had a major role in the harassment of the Palestinian people."
Bahar's statement came during a meeting on Saturday with a youth delegation of the Egyptian solidarity Society "al-Khayrat", which includes a group of Egyptian youth in solidarity with Gaza.
Bahar expressed confidence in the Egyptian youth, appreciating the Egyptian leadership's efforts to end the Israeli aggression and to restore stability to Gaza, stressing that the Egyptian delegations came to Gaza to see the resistance victory and to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.
He pointed out during his meeting with the Egyptian youth that the resistance overtook the occupation, where it proved its ability to face advanced weapons despite its simple potential in light of the Israeli siege on Gaza for several years.
Bahar called on Egyptian youth to contribute to documenting the Israeli crimes in Gaza, as a prelude to lawsuits against the Israeli leaders in international courts as war criminals, noting that this step disturbs the Israeli occupation authorities a lot.
Noteworthy that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture received a youth delegation of the Egyptian solidarity Society "al-Khayrat" in light of the ministry's program which has been recently activated in order to enhance communication with Arab youth from all countries of the world.
Bahar's statement came during a meeting on Saturday with a youth delegation of the Egyptian solidarity Society "al-Khayrat", which includes a group of Egyptian youth in solidarity with Gaza.
Bahar expressed confidence in the Egyptian youth, appreciating the Egyptian leadership's efforts to end the Israeli aggression and to restore stability to Gaza, stressing that the Egyptian delegations came to Gaza to see the resistance victory and to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.
He pointed out during his meeting with the Egyptian youth that the resistance overtook the occupation, where it proved its ability to face advanced weapons despite its simple potential in light of the Israeli siege on Gaza for several years.
Bahar called on Egyptian youth to contribute to documenting the Israeli crimes in Gaza, as a prelude to lawsuits against the Israeli leaders in international courts as war criminals, noting that this step disturbs the Israeli occupation authorities a lot.
Noteworthy that the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Culture received a youth delegation of the Egyptian solidarity Society "al-Khayrat" in light of the ministry's program which has been recently activated in order to enhance communication with Arab youth from all countries of the world.
4 jan 2013
Egypt Uncovers Missiles En Route To Gaza
The Egyptian Security Services announced that it managed to uncover, on Friday at dawn, a weapons storage facility loaded with advances missiles, including antitank and antiaircraft missiles, that weapons dealers intended to smuggle into the Gaza Strip via border tunnels.
The sources said that the Ministry of Interior received information regarding smugglers in Sinai who were planning to smuggle the missiles into Gaza via the tunnels, to be used by armed resistance groups, and that the smugglers stored the missiles in a secret location in the Bir el-Lahfan area, south of Al-Arish.
The Egyptian Intelligence and the military carried out an extensive search campaign in the area, specifically in an Bir el-Lahfan, a stronghold for weapons smugglers, according to Egyptian sources.
The operation was carried out with the help of two undercover agents who managed to lead the Egyptian army to the location where six advanced American-made missiles were located, each missile has its own launching pad, in addition to locating a missile launching pad apparently smuggled from Libya.
Each of the located missiles is 75 centimeters (cm) long (27.5 inches), 40 cm (15.7 inches) wide, and can hit targets as far as 2 kilometers (1.24 miles); the missiles are antitank and antiaircraft.
Less than a month ago, the Egyptian security forces located a missile storage facility in the same area, and confiscated 17 French missiles that were ready to be smuggled into the Gaza Strip via the tunnels.
Egypt believes that there are several similar weapons storage facilities in the Bir el-Lahfan area; the facilities are believed to contain missiles and launching pads in the same area.
The sources said that the Ministry of Interior received information regarding smugglers in Sinai who were planning to smuggle the missiles into Gaza via the tunnels, to be used by armed resistance groups, and that the smugglers stored the missiles in a secret location in the Bir el-Lahfan area, south of Al-Arish.
The Egyptian Intelligence and the military carried out an extensive search campaign in the area, specifically in an Bir el-Lahfan, a stronghold for weapons smugglers, according to Egyptian sources.
The operation was carried out with the help of two undercover agents who managed to lead the Egyptian army to the location where six advanced American-made missiles were located, each missile has its own launching pad, in addition to locating a missile launching pad apparently smuggled from Libya.
Each of the located missiles is 75 centimeters (cm) long (27.5 inches), 40 cm (15.7 inches) wide, and can hit targets as far as 2 kilometers (1.24 miles); the missiles are antitank and antiaircraft.
Less than a month ago, the Egyptian security forces located a missile storage facility in the same area, and confiscated 17 French missiles that were ready to be smuggled into the Gaza Strip via the tunnels.
Egypt believes that there are several similar weapons storage facilities in the Bir el-Lahfan area; the facilities are believed to contain missiles and launching pads in the same area.
3 jan 2013
Egyptian sports minister to visit Gaza next week
Egyptian minister of sports Alamri Farouk is scheduled to visit Gaza next Thursday at the invitation of his Gazan counterpart Dr. Mohammed Al-Madhoun.
Madhoun said during a meeting with the ministry’s employees on Wednesday that Farouk would be heading a 25-man delegation including prominent sports and media figures.
He said that his ministry would brief the visiting Egyptian minister on the difficulties impeding sports activity in the Gaza Strip especially after the latest Israeli aggression that destroyed three main soccer stadiums and the need for Arab support help the Palestinian sports movement stand on its feet again.
Madhoun said that the visit would also provide an opportunity for exchange of sports expertise and cooperation in various sports fields.
The chairman of the Egyptian Football Association Jamal Allam is expected to visit Gaza within the few coming days at the invitation of Madhoun.
Madhoun said during a meeting with the ministry’s employees on Wednesday that Farouk would be heading a 25-man delegation including prominent sports and media figures.
He said that his ministry would brief the visiting Egyptian minister on the difficulties impeding sports activity in the Gaza Strip especially after the latest Israeli aggression that destroyed three main soccer stadiums and the need for Arab support help the Palestinian sports movement stand on its feet again.
Madhoun said that the visit would also provide an opportunity for exchange of sports expertise and cooperation in various sports fields.
The chairman of the Egyptian Football Association Jamal Allam is expected to visit Gaza within the few coming days at the invitation of Madhoun.
2 jan 2013
Bardawil: We did not receive any invitation for reconciliation talks in Cairo
Hamas called on Fatah movement to play its full role to pressure the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah to end the file of political detention and support the national reconciliation atmosphere.
The leader in Hamas movement, Salah Bardawil, denied in exclusive statement to Quds Press that his movement had received an official invitation to attend the factions' heads meeting or resume reconciliation talks with Fatah movement in Cairo.
"So far we have not received any invitation to attend the meeting of the secretaries-general of the Palestinian factions in Cairo, and we did not receive an invitation from the Egyptian presidency to resume reconciliation talks with Fatah movement," he explained.
Bardawil called on Fatah movement to pressure the PA for ending political arrests, thus ending the division.
"We deeply regret the continued political arrests, and we believe that it is a red line that cannot be bypassed," he said, calling on Fatah movement to exercise pressure on the PA security authorities and the presidency for the release of political prisoners, stressing that the current shameful situation does not only serve the occupation and poisons the atmosphere of reconciliation.
The leader in Hamas movement, Salah Bardawil, denied in exclusive statement to Quds Press that his movement had received an official invitation to attend the factions' heads meeting or resume reconciliation talks with Fatah movement in Cairo.
"So far we have not received any invitation to attend the meeting of the secretaries-general of the Palestinian factions in Cairo, and we did not receive an invitation from the Egyptian presidency to resume reconciliation talks with Fatah movement," he explained.
Bardawil called on Fatah movement to pressure the PA for ending political arrests, thus ending the division.
"We deeply regret the continued political arrests, and we believe that it is a red line that cannot be bypassed," he said, calling on Fatah movement to exercise pressure on the PA security authorities and the presidency for the release of political prisoners, stressing that the current shameful situation does not only serve the occupation and poisons the atmosphere of reconciliation.
1 jan 2013
Report: Egypt to extradite 'Israeli spy'
Andre Pshenichnikov, arrested in Egypt last month for alleged espionage, will be extradited, a family friend reports
An Egyptian court decided to extradite Andre Pshenichnikov, a 24-year-old Israeli citizen who has been held in Sinai for the past month, a friend of Pshenichnikov's family said Saturday.
"Andre has been taken to Nuweiba, and now coordinating the extradition is in the hands of Israel," she said. According to the Foreign Ministry, no official announcement was made on the matter.
The ministry further reported that the state has decided to indict Pshenichnikov for infiltration and not for espionage.
Pshenichnikov was arrested in Egypt on December 28, after crossing the border from Israel without a passport or any official document. His documents were reportedly confiscated before he crossed the border. According to south Sinai sources, the Israeli national was suspected of taking pictures of security facilities in Taba, the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported.
According to a friend of Pshenichnikov, "Everyone who knows Andre knows he's as far from being a spy as east is from west – he's anti-establishment. I believe that once they realize he's an activist, they'll drop that line of reasoning. He's a sensitive guy; he's not violent."
Report: Israeli held in Egypt photographed security sites
Egyptian security officials says 24-year-old Andre Pshenichnikov, who was detained in Sinai over the weekend, tried to gather information from drives; 'interrogations will reveal motive,' one of them says.
Egyptian security sources said Monday night that 24-year-old Israeli national Andre Pshenichnikov, who has been held in the country since Friday, took photographs of security property in the Sinai Peninsula and tried to gather information from drivers in the area near the Taba border crossing between Egypt and Israel.
Egyptian security sources said the Israeli national was taken to the Nuweiba area in Sinai, where he was being questioned.
"The Israeli officer was arrested by national security forces on December 29. State security is now interrogating him," a national state security officer told Reuters.
Another security official told the Al-Ahram newspaper entered Egypt without proper documentation and was therefore considered an infiltrator. "The interrogations will reveal the motive behind his infiltration," the official said. Earlier Monday, an Egyptian security official told Reuters that Pshenichnikov, a Bat Yam resident, was trying to reach the Gaza Strip through Sinai to fight alongside Palestinians. Egypt is trying to reassert control over the Sinai which has suffered from lax security since the uprising that overthrew Hosni Mubarak in February 2011. The Foreign Ministry has confirmed that an Israeli citizen was being held in Egypt and said it was looking into the matter. Pshenichnikov's mother, Svetlana, told Ynet: "He was planning to meet up with some friends of his in Cairo after coming back from France about a month ago. He eventually got his visa from Egypt and a week ago went to Eilat and tried to cross the border to Egypt legally.
"The police there arrested him, claiming that he was trying to cross the border illegally. He was tried in Eilat and was told he could be released if he signed a document by which he vowed not to go to Egypt. He refused, so they took both his Russian and his Israeli passports and let him go.
According to Pshenichnikov's mother, he was then planning to stay in Eilat, but the next day called her and told her that he was detained in Taba. "They wouldn’t let me talk to him that much; his voice was fine, and he said that the conditions were fine, but I'm afraid that he's lying to keep me from worrying too much." The mother told Ynet that her son, a computer technician, was living with her and her husband in Bat Yam. She claimed he was an "activist for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, which is very dangerous. He's been arrested before, so I took all my money and bought him a ticket to Paris. He just came back recently."
An Egyptian court decided to extradite Andre Pshenichnikov, a 24-year-old Israeli citizen who has been held in Sinai for the past month, a friend of Pshenichnikov's family said Saturday.
"Andre has been taken to Nuweiba, and now coordinating the extradition is in the hands of Israel," she said. According to the Foreign Ministry, no official announcement was made on the matter.
The ministry further reported that the state has decided to indict Pshenichnikov for infiltration and not for espionage.
Pshenichnikov was arrested in Egypt on December 28, after crossing the border from Israel without a passport or any official document. His documents were reportedly confiscated before he crossed the border. According to south Sinai sources, the Israeli national was suspected of taking pictures of security facilities in Taba, the Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper reported.
According to a friend of Pshenichnikov, "Everyone who knows Andre knows he's as far from being a spy as east is from west – he's anti-establishment. I believe that once they realize he's an activist, they'll drop that line of reasoning. He's a sensitive guy; he's not violent."
Report: Israeli held in Egypt photographed security sites
Egyptian security officials says 24-year-old Andre Pshenichnikov, who was detained in Sinai over the weekend, tried to gather information from drives; 'interrogations will reveal motive,' one of them says.
Egyptian security sources said Monday night that 24-year-old Israeli national Andre Pshenichnikov, who has been held in the country since Friday, took photographs of security property in the Sinai Peninsula and tried to gather information from drivers in the area near the Taba border crossing between Egypt and Israel.
Egyptian security sources said the Israeli national was taken to the Nuweiba area in Sinai, where he was being questioned.
"The Israeli officer was arrested by national security forces on December 29. State security is now interrogating him," a national state security officer told Reuters.
Another security official told the Al-Ahram newspaper entered Egypt without proper documentation and was therefore considered an infiltrator. "The interrogations will reveal the motive behind his infiltration," the official said. Earlier Monday, an Egyptian security official told Reuters that Pshenichnikov, a Bat Yam resident, was trying to reach the Gaza Strip through Sinai to fight alongside Palestinians. Egypt is trying to reassert control over the Sinai which has suffered from lax security since the uprising that overthrew Hosni Mubarak in February 2011. The Foreign Ministry has confirmed that an Israeli citizen was being held in Egypt and said it was looking into the matter. Pshenichnikov's mother, Svetlana, told Ynet: "He was planning to meet up with some friends of his in Cairo after coming back from France about a month ago. He eventually got his visa from Egypt and a week ago went to Eilat and tried to cross the border to Egypt legally.
"The police there arrested him, claiming that he was trying to cross the border illegally. He was tried in Eilat and was told he could be released if he signed a document by which he vowed not to go to Egypt. He refused, so they took both his Russian and his Israeli passports and let him go.
According to Pshenichnikov's mother, he was then planning to stay in Eilat, but the next day called her and told her that he was detained in Taba. "They wouldn’t let me talk to him that much; his voice was fine, and he said that the conditions were fine, but I'm afraid that he's lying to keep me from worrying too much." The mother told Ynet that her son, a computer technician, was living with her and her husband in Bat Yam. She claimed he was an "activist for peace between Israelis and Palestinians, which is very dangerous. He's been arrested before, so I took all my money and bought him a ticket to Paris. He just came back recently."
Egypt confirms the arrest of an Israeli officer in the Sinai Peninsula
Egypt on Monday said it had detained an Israeli army officer in the Taba region of the Sinai peninsula after he infiltrated the border into Egypt.
"The Israeli officer was arrested by national security forces on December 29. State security is now interrogating him," a national state security officer told Reuters.
According to the Middle East News Agency, the Israeli officer is of Russian origin and lives in "Tel Aviv," adding that he was not holding his passport when he entered the country, and that his name was not included on the access lists.
Another security official told the Al-Ahram newspaper that he entered Egypt without proper documentation and was therefore considered an infiltrator. "The interrogations will reveal the motive behind his infiltration," the official said.
Egyptian security sources in Sinai said the detainee had been gathering information about Sinai from drivers in the area near the Taba border crossing between Egypt and Israel, according to Reuters.
Israeli media sources claimed that he was planning to meet up with some friends of his in Cairo after coming back from France about a month ago.
"The Israeli officer was arrested by national security forces on December 29. State security is now interrogating him," a national state security officer told Reuters.
According to the Middle East News Agency, the Israeli officer is of Russian origin and lives in "Tel Aviv," adding that he was not holding his passport when he entered the country, and that his name was not included on the access lists.
Another security official told the Al-Ahram newspaper that he entered Egypt without proper documentation and was therefore considered an infiltrator. "The interrogations will reveal the motive behind his infiltration," the official said.
Egyptian security sources in Sinai said the detainee had been gathering information about Sinai from drivers in the area near the Taba border crossing between Egypt and Israel, according to Reuters.
Israeli media sources claimed that he was planning to meet up with some friends of his in Cairo after coming back from France about a month ago.