March 04, 2019 - 12:05 PM
GAZA, Palestinian Territory - The leader of Gaza's ruling Hamas movement says Egypt is launching a new round of mediation to secure a cease-fire between the militant group and Israel.
Speaking to reporters Monday, Ismail Haniyeh accused Israel of "opting out of short and long term understandings" aimed at alleviating the humanitarian crisis in the Palestinian enclave.
Haniyeh said that last year Israel and Hamas reached understandings for Israel to extend Gaza's fishing zone, increase the territory's electricity supply and allow cash into Gaza for Hamas public servants.
But he said a botched Israeli undercover raid in Gaza last fall undermined understandings on broader issues "as if they never existed."
Hamas expects Egyptian mediators to arrive this week to restart reconciliation efforts.
News from © The Associated Press, 2019