29-03-2024 02:08 PM Jerusalem Timing

Cairo Blacklists Qassam Brigades, Hamas Abandons Egypt as Broker with ’Israel’

Cairo Blacklists Qassam Brigades, Hamas Abandons Egypt as Broker with ’Israel’

An Egyptian court on Saturday banned Qassam brigades, the armed wing of Palestinian group Hamas, and listed it as a "terrorist" organization.

Qassam BrigadesAn Egyptian court on Saturday banned Qassam brigades, the armed wing of Palestinian group Hamas, and listed it as a "terrorist" organization.

"The court ruled to ban the (Hamas) Qassam Brigades and to list it as a terrorist group," said Judge Mohamed al-Sayid of the special Cairo court which deals with urgent cases.

"We reject the Egyptian court's decision against Qassam Brigades. It is a political, dangerous decision that serves only the Zionist occupation," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri.

A source close to Hamas' armed wing signaled the group would no longer accept Egypt as a broker between it and 'Israel'. "After the court's decision Egypt is no longer a mediator in Palestinian-Israeli matters," the source told Reuters.