Is there an agreement between Hamas and the Egyptian government over opening the crossing?
A senior Hamas official said there was no prior agreement with Egypt. He said that it was a “unilateral move” in response to the growing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. But the situation on the ground suggests that there is at least an understanding between the Egyptian government and the Hamas leadership. Such an understanding is crucial to ensure a smooth flow of movement. Journalists at the border reported that they, and the Gazans crossing, were being checked by both Egyptian and the Hamas security forces. There is also an understanding to keep the Egyptian army away to prevent possible clashes with people crossing the border. Your Views What is your opinion of Israel’s blockade of Gaza? Send us your viewsPreviously, and according to the agreements signed with Israel, only Fatah–led PA security forces, were authorised to patrol the borders along with European Union monitors. Israel has traditionally reserved the right to unilaterally open and close the crossings while Egypt had always
