Sheikh Yassin in Egypt on way to Gaza, Egypt denies obstacles

Hamas founder Sheikh Yassin arrived in Egypt today on his way to Palestine. He will spend several days for medical examination.

Regarding the previous claim by Hamas speaker in Sudan that Egypt did not allow Yassin an entry visa, an Egyptian official source confirmed that Egypt did not prevent the return of Hamas founder Sheikh Yassin to Gaza, saying that Egypt was always willing to receive Sheikh Yassin and facilitate his entrance to Gaza.

Sheikh Yassin's return to Gaza through a border point in Egypt after the conclusion in Sudan of a regional tour, was originally to take place last Tuesday but was postponed to a later date.

The sources said that Cairo had not received from Tel Aviv any formal approval to allow Sheikh Yassin to enter Gaza and said that the Israeli position was not clear.

He also said, "We informed Sheikh Yassin about this stance, and we agreed upon postponing the return journey," so that Sheikh Yassin can reach the border region and enter Gaza directly so the delay would not affect his health.

The sources revealed that Israel informed Cairo three days ago about its approval of Sheikh Yassin's return to his home in Gaza, but retreated later, claiming that it was completing some "procedures."