Haniyeh calls on Egypt to re-open Rafah crossing

Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas movements’ prime minister in the Gaza Strip, said on Monday that what is currently happening in Egypt is attracting the attention of the Arab and Muslim world, adding it is vital Egyptians restore peace and stability. Haniyeh said in a press conference that all bloodshed in Egypt must end immediately as he called on all Egyptians to protect their democracy and legitimacy. He expressed hope that Egypt would soon resume its leading position in the region and provide support to the Palestinian people to establish their own state. Haniyeh also demanded Egyptian authorities re-open the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the impoverished Gaza Strip to serve the interests of students and the unwell that need to enter Egyptian territory. He said a number of delegations have been sent to Egypt to discuss the issue with the authorities in Cairo adding that the Hamas government is ready to meet different requirements to ensure the security of Egypt in this regard. Hamas spokesman Ehab al-Ghaseen blamed the Palestinian Authority in the West Bank for putting pressure on the Egyptians to close the Rafah crossing. He said the Gaza Strip is facing a serious crisis during the coming period due to the beginning of a new semester for schools and universities. In a reference to European countries, Ghaseen called on the Egyptian government not to allow any foreign parties to interfere in decisions related to the crossing.