Hamas denies extremist presence in Gaza

Hamas Religious Affairs Minister Ismail Radwan denied the presence of extremists groups in the Gaza strip. In a press statement on Monday evening, Radwan repeated that none of the Gazan residents were involved in the Rafah attacks in which 16 Egyptian soldiers were killed. Radwan said: “The government has entirely cooperated with the Egyptian in the investigations about the attack. I insist that there isn't any extremist hotspot in Gaza, and therefore there isn't any possibility of such involvement in Sinai.” The Minister hopes that the crossings between Egypt and Gaza would soon be permanently open to allow people and commercial goods to pass between both sides. Radwan ensured this would be the real alternative to satisfy the needs of Gaza. Egypt’s blossoming relationships with Gaza is a sign of the country’s commitment to the Palestinian cause, according to Radwan.