Report: Mashaal to visit Gaza with Abbas

Al-Hayat reports Hamas leader determined to visit Strip 'at the right time' in order to demonstrate reconciliation agreement serious

Roi Kais|Published: 01.23.12 , 10:37

The London-based al-Hayat newspaper on Monday quoted Palestinian sources as saying that Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal plans on visiting the Gaza Strip together with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

According to the report, Mashaal is determined to hold the tour but it will only be held "at the right time" and when circumstances allow, it due to the sensitivity of the visit, both in the security aspect and the logistical aspect.

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It was further reported that the Hamas leader asked Egyptian leaders to enable the Gaza tour. He reportedly discussed the matter with Egyptian officials as well as senior members of the Muslim Brotherhood which he met during his latest visit to Cairo.

The Palestinian sources said that Mashaal wants to tour Gaza accompanied by Abbas to demonsrate the genuineness of the internal reconciliation agreement, enhance national unity and bring about an end to the rift.

Reports of Mashaal's visit in Gaza come days after Hamas announced the official's decision not seek re-election as politburo chief during a recent Shura Council meeting. Mashaal said he would continue serving the terror group and the Palestinian people in other ways. Mashaal, 56, has served as Hamas' politburo chief since 1996.