Hamas visits Egypt’s Salafists

A Palestinian delegation is due to meet with Egypt’s Salafist al-Asala Party today, to discuss how the country’s differing political parties can help Palestine in its reconciliation efforts. The party, known for supporting conservative Islamic views, is currently led by chairperson Ehab Shiha. Hamas officials will meet with Shiha to discuss Palestinian demands as well a draw up a plan for continuing reconciliation with Eygpt. This comes amid recent revelations by Hamas that a rising number of Palestinians are being refused entry into Egypt, despite previous claims by the Egyptian government that the border is open. Hamoud Noseir, a member of the party, said Hamas demands include improving the passage of Palestinians across the border and supporting the trade between the two states. According to local media reports, the visit is aimed at increasing the public awareness of the al-Aqsa blockade, after Israeli police closed access to Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque on Sunday in response to Palestinian protests across the West Bank. The demonstrations began after the death of Arafat Jaradat, who died of alleged torture while in Israeli custody. Last week, the al-Asala Party visited Gaza on a bid “to break the blockade2, say the party’s officials.