Israeli army arrests 5 Hamas members

Hamas political leader Mahmoud al-Zahar has reaffirmed his organisation’s non-interference in Egyptian politics, in attempts to patch up relations between the two sides. “We respects all political, popular and constitutional elements within Egypt, and we don’t interfere in their affairs,” al-Zahar said during a meeting with Gaza-based think tank Palthink on Wednesday. “Hamas wants to build sound economic relations with Egypt – not through tunnels, although they were necessary.” Al-Zahar has meanwhile welcomed talk of renewed negotiations to achieve Palestinian reconciliation between Fatah and Hamas.