Egypt's Sinai smuggling links Islamic State to Hamas

Subject

Links between Hamas and ISG.

Significance

Egyptian and Israeli authorities claim that the Islamic State group (ISG) in Sinai is receiving support from Hamas, the Palestinian militant group ruling the Gaza Strip. Hamas political leaders and spokesmen deny any connection. ISG and Hamas disagree over ideology, governance and fighting Israel, and Hamas often suppresses ISG-inspired groups in Gaza. ISG propaganda criticises Hamas and its umbrella-organisation, the Muslim Brotherhood. Yet there are strategic reasons for a transactional relationship between Hamas and ISG Sinai.

Impacts

• Support for ISG Sinai by Hamas's military wing complicates efforts, promoted by Saudi Arabia, for Egyptian-Hamas reconciliation.
• Egyptian politicians will use Hamas as a scapegoat for security force losses in ISG Sinai attacks.
• Hamas forces will monitor the border with Sinai more closely to watch for infiltration by jihadists.