Egypt opposes CIA proposal to manage security in Gaza: WSJ

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Wall Street Journal
9 Nov 2023 06:23
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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi rejects a CIA proposal for the Egyptian security administration to manage security in the Gaza Strip, stressing that Egypt will not play a role in eliminating Hamas.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi gestures during a joint press conference with French President Emmanuel Macron in Cairo, Egypt, Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023. (AP)

The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported on Wednesday that the Central Intelligence Agency Director, William Burns, discussed with the Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi and the head of the Egyptian General Intelligence Service, Abbas Kamel, a proposal for an Egyptian administration of security in the Gaza Strip.

The newspaper added that the aim is “for the Palestinian Authority to be able to take over responsibility” at a later period, according to what senior Egyptian officials said.

The WSJ mentioned that el-Sisi rejected the proposal, saying that "Egypt would not play a role in eliminating Hamas because it needs Hamas to maintain security on the border."

Meanwhile, Egyptian sources revealed that Egypt is close to reaching a humanitarian truce in Gaza and exchanging prisoners, as a result of talks carried out by Cairo, according to the Al-Qahera news channel.

Earlier, el-Sisi held a meeting with CIA Director William Burns, a spokesperson for the Presidency said on Tuesday. According to the spokesperson, the meeting was also attended by the Director of the General Intelligence Service.

During the meeting, both emphasized the strong strategic partnership between Egypt and the US and its vital role in Middle East security and stability, spokesman Ahmed Fahmy said, adding that both sides committed to enhancing cooperation, especially in security and intelligence, to address regional challenges and promote stability.

El-Sisi reiterated Egypt's call for an immediate ceasefire to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian aid. On his part, Burns expressed his commitment to closely coordinate with Egypt to resolve the ongoing war.