(AFP Photo)
Hamas accused Egyptian forces on the border between Gaza and Egypt of opening fire on the Palestinian side Tuesday, following a “huge explosion” on the border, in a Wednesday statement by Al-Qassam Brigades.
The explosion is thought to be “fabricated to justify the shooting”, read the statement.
There were no injuries on both sides.
A representative from the military spokesman’s office told Daily News Egypt that border guards were patrolling the area when an explosion took place on the Palestinian side. However, the Egyptian guards combed the area on the Egyptian side for bombs.
They did not fire on the Palestinian side at all, he added.
Ties between Hamas and the Egypt are on a brink since the ouster of former president Mohamed Morsi in July 2013.
Hamas’s military wing, the Al-Qassam Brigades, were designated a “terrorist organisation“, based on a verdict issued by Cairo Court for Urgent Matters on 31 January.
The verdict was met with condemnation from Hamas. On Monday, a large rally broke out in Gaza to protest the verdict.
The Al-Qassam Brigades were accused of participating in militant operations in Egypt, notably in Sinai where a heightened insurgency has risen.
Hamas leader Mahmoud Al-Zahar previously told Daily News Egypt that none of Hamas’s members are currently located in Egypt.
