GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip — Hamas has so far kept silent on the election of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, who overthrew the movement's ally, former President Mohammed Morsi, last July. Hamas has refrained from issuing any press statements related to the elections, for fear this might have negative repercussions on its relations with Egypt, which have been strained since last year.
A well-informed source in Hamas said the movement’s political bureau issued strict instructions to all leaders and media spokespeople within the movement not to address the election of Sisi in any interview or public meeting.