Egypt rejects CIA proposal for Gaza Strip

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi rejected a proposal from Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns to provide security in the Gaza Strip during the transition period after the possible defeat of Hamas and before the arrival of the Palestinian Authority. The Wall Street Journal writes about this with reference to senior Egyptian officials.

During a meeting on Tuesday with Burns, who arrived in Cairo, al-Sisi refused this offer, explaining that Egypt does not plan to participate in the destruction of Hamas. The President stressed that the country expects support from this armed group in ensuring security on the border. The Egyptian leader’s office said the meeting discussed security cooperation between Cairo and Washington, as well as issues related to the escalating conflict in the Gaza Strip.