Exiled terrorist members of Gaza’s ruling Hamas decision-making bureau have entered the territory for discussions about an Egyptian-brokered cease-fire deal with Israel.
The Hamas website Safa said Friday this marks the first time all members of the political bureau have come together in Gaza. PA reports the delegation arrived from exile late Thursday.
The group allegedly included Saleh al Arouri, a founder of the Hamas terrorist wing wanted by Israel. Al Arouri has never concealed his desire to attack Israel, and in the past has praised Iran as an ally in that quest.
In an interview with the Qatari-financed Al Jazeera broadcaster last year, al Arouri — the deputy head of the Hamas political bureau who led a delegation to Iran — explained, “[I]t is well known that Iran supported the Lebanese resistance, until the Israeli occupation was driven out.”
Iran “supports the resistance in Palestine as well,” al Arouri said, in remarks translated by the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI). “They make no secret of this. They give us exceptional support. The resistance is in dire need of this to be able to confront the aggression of the Israeli entity.”
Hamas officials claimed guarantees were given that the delegation would not be targeted by Israel and that progress has been made toward a truce that could pave the way for a U.N.-led reconstruction of Gaza.
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