Hamas denies posting operatives to Egypt

Hamas deputy head Moussa Abu Marzouk has denied rumours that the movement had posted a number of its armed operatives in Egypt. "We in Hamas are saddened by the persistence and determination of some in Egyptian politics and media outlets circulating lies about Hamas and the Palestinans. It is an attempt to use us as political and media instruments to settle scores between Egypt's political rivals," Abu Marzouk said on his Facebook page. The Hamas leader also reaffirmed his movement's impartiality to any political parties or movements in Egypt and wished the country safety, security and peace. A high-level source in Egyptian security also denied that 7,000 Hamas militants had entered Egypt from the Gaza Strip with the set purpose of supporting the Muslim Brotherhood for the duration of the current crisis. "What has been circulating in the media regarding this incident is overly exaggerated, especially as there are over 30 police and army checkpoints along the international thoroughfare between Rafah and el-Salam Bridge in the town of el-Qantara. These forces check the status of Palestinians coming from the Gaza Strip either legally or illegally. The entry of 7,000 Hamas operatives is such a large number that it could easily be detected and exposed," the source said.