In Cairo, Egyptian intelligence minister Omar Suleiman is conducting intensive negotiations with Hamas leader on an acceptable format for the next Palestinian government. He will no doubt demand Hamas show its authority by obtaining the captured Egyptian officerÂ’s release. This Hamas is in no position to do.
The Hebrew daily Ma'ariv reported Thursday, Feb. 9, that Cairo had withdrawn the large Egyptian military mission stationed in the Gaza Strip since late last year. This is partly confirmed. The day after the Hamas election victory last month, 50 Egyptian military instructors departed the Gaza Strip as a safety precaution and because they judged hopeless any chance of training or setting up any Palestinian unit that they could control. Left in place were only three Egyptian generals and security guards to protect them and the Egyptian Embassy staff.