Hamas warned against rapprochement with Iran by Egypt

Hamas was apparently warned by Egyptian authorities to distance itself from Iran, according to the Algemeiner. The move reportedly follows recent declarations by officials in Tehran that a restoration of ties with the Gaza Strip-ruling Islamist group — including a renewal of funding — was in the works. Egypt relayed the demand at a meeting last week with Hamas’ top official in Gaza Yehia Sinwar. Sinwar was told that rapprochement between Hamas and Iran could prompt Egypt to nix plans to expand the hours of operation of the Rafah border crossing with Gaza and loosen travel restrictions.