Egyptian officials have been hosting talks with members of the Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror groups, according to the London-based daily Al-Hayyat.
Talks have taken place in both Gaza and Cairo.
A prominent leader of Islamic Jihad, Nafiz ‘Azzam, told Al-Hayyat that a high profile delegation of the group visited Cairo more than a month ago on an Egyptian invitation.
The delegation discussed political issues with the Egyptians, including Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon’s withdrawal plan from Gaza.
Egypt has been mediating between various factions in the Palestinian Authority and may take an active part in controlling the Gaza Strip following the anticipated withdrawal, in order to prevent armed groups from seizing control and wreaking havoc in the region.
Other issues discussed were internal Palestinian politics, national unity and what ‘Azzam called the Israel aggression towards the Palestinian people.
Hamas members also met with Egyptian officials in Gaza recently, in an attempt to gauge the mood of Palestinian factions regarding Sharon’s withdrawal plan and its ramifications as well as other domestic Palestinian matters.
A Hamas spokesman told the paper additional meetings have not yet been scheduled.
On Tuesday, U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell arrived in Egypt for a two-day visit to talk with Egyptian officials about developments in the region and also to assure that the Gaza Strip is secured before the expected withdrawal.