An Egyptian source has described Cairo's procedural step to shut down its bureau in the Gaza Strip as a “political message” that implies rising Egyptian support to the Palestinian Authority against Hamas movement.
Egypt closed its representative in Gaza after Hamas took control of the territory in the summer of 2007. Since then, all foreign missions in the Gaza Strip have relocated to Ramallah in the West Bank, which is the headquarters of the PA.
However, until last week, Egypt was still paying the rental fees of the closed bureau.
The Egyptian Foreign Ministry spokesman affirmed that the bureau has been left intact but that a delegation went there to check on some belongings and furniture.
Yet, an Egyptian source, who preferred to remain anonymous, told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper that this step aims to convey a “political message” and to confirm support to the PA.
In addition, the source stressed that Egypt remains committed to mediating between Israel and Hamas.
Egypt continues to back the truce and the exchange of captives among other matters that demand mutual coordination.
Egyptian lawmaker Samir Ghattas asserted to Asharq Al-Awsat that Cairo’s recent decision shocked Hamas that was expecting the reopening of the Egyptian mission in the Gaza Strip instead of taking the belongings out of the building.
The decision wasn't based on financial grounds, Ghattas said, expressing surprise that a country like Egypt would fall short of paying rental fees for a bureau.
