Egypt is building closer ties with Hamas to help secure Sinai, Lin Noueihed and Nidal al-Mughrabi write for Reuters. Egypt has been at odds with Hamas, but it has recently “eased restrictions, allowing in trucks laden with food and other supplies, and providing relief from an Israeli blockade that has restricted the flow of goods into the coastal territory.” The relaxation of these restrictions “builds on what Egyptian and Palestinian sources say are efforts by Hamas to prevent the movement of militants in and out of Sinai.” An Egyptian security source says "we want cooperation in controlling the borders and tunnels, the handover of perpetrators of armed attacks and a boycott of the Muslim Brotherhood. They want the crossing to be opened and more trade… This has actually begun, but in a partial way. We hope it will continue."

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