2 Hamas officials denied entry to Egypt

Egyptian authorities at the Rafah border crossing stopped two Hamas officials from entering Egypt, for an international conference in Cairo. Hamas sources disclosed that Ismail al-Ashqar and Salah Bardawil, members of the  Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC), were part of a delegation heading to Cairo for Palestinian reconciliation talks. The duo were rejected entry into Egypt at the crossing point after an order from the Egyptian intelligence agency, Hamas sources added. Ashqar described the ban as "improper behaviour from the Egyptian intelligence," adding that the Palestinian delegation had gained permission to enter Egypt from government officials in Cairo and the Rafah crossing, last Friday. The Hamas leader claimed he was surprised by the Egyptian move, considering the two sides shared a positive and mutually beneficial relationship. According to Ashqar, Egyptian intelligence officials in Cairo gave delegates the green light to enter Egypt, but the officer in charge at the Rafah crossing refused permission. The Palestinian delegation which left Gaza is taking part in the annual Solving International Crises conference.