Egypt names Hamas ‘terrorist group’ further isolating Gaza Strip rulers

An Egyptian court has declared Hamas a “terrorist organisation”, further isolating the rulers of the Gaza Strip who once found a warm welcome under the past government. The ruling by Judge Mohamed el-Sayed of the Court For Urgent Matters described Hamas as targeting both civilians and security forces inside Egypt’s restive Sinai Peninsula and aiming to harm the country. The Sinai has been under increasing attack by Islamic extremists since the Egyptian military ousted Islamist president Mohammed Morsi in 2013.

It has been proven without any doubt that the movement has committed acts of sabotage, assassinations and the killing of innocent civilians and members of the armed forces and police in Egypt.

Part of the ruling, according to state news agency MENA.

The ruling further isolates Hamas, which once found open support under Mr Morsi and from his now-outlawed Muslim Brotherhood group. Egypt’s new government has begun clearing a buffer zone along its border with Gaza in an attempt to destroy a cross-border network of tunnels that Hamas considers a lifeline. Last month, an Egyptian court banned Hamas’ military wing, the Izzedine al-Qassam Brigades, and also designated it a terrorist organisation. The Cairo court said that Hamas fighters had used heavy weapons against the army and was colluding with the Brotherhood.

This ruling serves the Israeli occupation. It’s a politicised decision that constitutes the beginning of Egypt evading its role toward the Palestinian cause.

Hamas official Mushir al-Masri speaking from Gaza.

Middle East Hamas