Hamas Delegation Heads to Cairo for ‘Exploratory’ Meetings

Protesters wave the Palestinian flag during clashes with Israeli security forces near the border fence east of Gaza City on December 15, 2017. (AFP)
Protesters wave the Palestinian flag during clashes with Israeli security forces near the border fence east of Gaza City on December 15, 2017. (AFP)
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Hamas Delegation Heads to Cairo for ‘Exploratory’ Meetings

Protesters wave the Palestinian flag during clashes with Israeli security forces near the border fence east of Gaza City on December 15, 2017. (AFP)
Protesters wave the Palestinian flag during clashes with Israeli security forces near the border fence east of Gaza City on December 15, 2017. (AFP)

A Hamas delegation is scheduled to arrive in Cairo mid-September to meet with Egyptian officials for further talks on pending issues, an official from the Palestinian movement official said on Sunday.

Hamas politburo member Maher Obeid said that the meetings will tackle various Palestinian files, especially reconciliation and a ceasefire with Israel.

Delegations from the Popular and Democratic fronts are expected to arrive for periodic meetings with Egyptian officials after efforts, especially peace negotiations, failed. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has been accused of hindering the efforts.

Hamas has escalated its actions against Israel prior to the arrival of its delegation to Egypt and plans to revive popular rallies along the Gaza-Israel border, including the possibility of relaunching incendiary kites.

These acts aim at shedding light on the deteriorating situation in Gaza and serve as a strong protest message following the end of truce talks.

“Hamas believes that mediators will once again take action if Israel comes under pressure,” Asharq Al-Awsat had earlier quoted the movement as saying.

Obeid stressed that "if the masses of our people stepped up the march of return and put new pressure on the occupation, then truce will be achieved and Israel will pay for its actions."

“The fate of the peaceful return marches, especially after freezing the truce talks, depends on the movement of the Palestinian masses,” Obeid told the local Palestinian al-Istiqlal newspaper.

“Truce efforts have not completely stopped, but they are witnessing a state of laxity and change in the priorities of the parties, so that their priority will be to start reconciliation and then to address to other matters, led by the PA,” he added.

“However, it seems that our people will head towards escalation ... in order to achieve the desired goals,” Obeid stressed.

Egypt-sponsored truce talks between Palestinian factions and Israel last month were halted after Abbas's threats that he would not allow a truce in the Gaza Strip since it will help separate the enclave from the West Bank and lead the way for the adoption of the so-called “Deal of the Century”.



Yemen Govt Warns Houthis Against Holding Country Hostage to Iran’s Agenda

The government meets in Aden on Tuesday. (Saba news agency)
The government meets in Aden on Tuesday. (Saba news agency)
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Yemen Govt Warns Houthis Against Holding Country Hostage to Iran’s Agenda

The government meets in Aden on Tuesday. (Saba news agency)
The government meets in Aden on Tuesday. (Saba news agency)

The legitimate Yemeni government warned on Tuesday the Iran-backed Houthi militias against holding the country hostage to their reckless battles that serve Tehran’s agenda.

It called on them to positively approach peace efforts to stop the unrest in Yemen.

Prime Minister Ahmed Awad bin Mubarak chaired the cabinet meeting that was held in the interim capital Aden.

The government reiterated its strong condemnation of the Israeli attack on Hodeidah port and its violation of Yemen’s sovereignty. The strikes were in retaliation to Houthi attacks on Israel.

The ministers stressed their support for United Nations, regional and international efforts to launch a comprehensive political process that meets the aspirations of all Yemenis and leads to just comprehensive peace based on the three references and UN Security Council resolution 2216.

The cabinet called on the Houthis to return to reason, prioritize the interests of the people above all else, stop avoiding local and popular pressure, cease threats to carry out “catastrophic adventures” and stop exploiting the Palestinian conflict to further their agenda.

The cabinet approved a number of measures, including allowing the Aden Refinery Company to operate in Aden’s Free Zone.

It tasked the ministers of oil and minerals, finance, legal affairs and transportation, the governor of Aden and head of the Aden Free Zone with implementing the decision.

The cabinet reviewed various political, military, security and economic developments, stressing its commitment to serving the people.