By Xinhua,
Gaza : A Hamas lawmaker on Monday denied any differences with Egypt, saying the closure of Rafah crossing point was a problem between Egypt and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ Fatah movement.
“The closure of Rafah crossing with Egypt was a pure Egypt-Fatah matter,” said Mushier al-Masri, a member of the Hamas-controlled Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC).
“The sides concerned, mainly President Abbas and Egypt, should push for the opening of the crossing to overcome the siege (Israel)imposed on the people in Gaza Strip,” al-Masri added.
“The two sides should not evade the fact of Gaza Strip that Hamas holds the control there,” al-Masri continued.
His remarks implicitly recognizes that Abbas can play a role in the opening of the crossing. Last year, Hamas drove out pro-Abbas forces in deadly fighting and took over Gaza.
The Rafah crossing can not be opened without the presence of pro-Abbas forces and EU monitors, according to a U.S.-brokered deal. But Hamas rejects the deal and says it wants to open the crossing directly with Egypt.