Hamas political bureau chief sent messages on behalf of Egypt and Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that they do not see eye to eye on Solimani's funeral in Iran • Egyptian official: "Haniyeh and Hamas chose Iran's side, grossly ignoring messages transmitted from Cairo and other Arab states"

• Hania speaking at Suleimani's funeral // Photo: AFP

Egyptians are furious at Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh for attending Qassam Suleimani's funeral, Quds Force commander of the Revolutionary Guards, who was assassinated during a US attack last night between Thursday and Friday. Hania even gave a eulogy in memory of Suleimani.

According to a senior Egyptian intelligence official, Haniyeh received unequivocal messages not only from Cairo, but also from Saudi Arabia. According to the messages conveyed by Egypt and Saudi Arabia, they do not see his participation in the Suleimani funeral, but Haniyeh chose to ignore these messages.

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Haniya at Suleimani's funeral: "Suleimani - Shahid Jerusalem" // Photo: Reuters

The Egyptian official also stressed that Cairo allowed Haniyeh's departure through Egypt for his worldwide skiing trip, subject to Haniyeh's pledge not to include a visit to Tehran and a meeting with the Iranian leadership.

Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei with Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh // Photo Archive

A crisis in Hamas relations Egypt // Archive photo: IP

However, Haniyeh did not comply, and his associates replied to messages from Cairo and Riyadh that his arrival in Tehran for participation in Suleimani's funeral procession was a special event that necessitated the arrival of Hamas's political bureau chief in Tehran.

According to the Egyptian official: "By Haniyeh's arrival in Tehran, his participation in the funeral and remembrance of Suleimani, who was a major supporter of the Palestinian resistance and the Palestinian national struggle for national recognition, is a disgrace and not a disgraceful violation of Egyptian national dignity.

Funeral campaign in Tehran // Photo: AFP

Funeral campaign in Tehran // Photo: Reuters

The Egyptian senior attacked Haniyeh's behavior, stressing that "Haniyeh and Hamas have chosen Iran's side with gross disregard for the unequivocal messages transmitted from Cairo and other Sunni Arab countries. Qassam Suleimani is responsible for the murder of thousands of Sunni Muslims including many Palestinians.

Earlier today, Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh made a special visit to Tehran to pay tribute to Qasim Suleimani and even spoke. "We have come to comfort Supreme Khamenei and the Islamic Republic for Suleimani's walk," Haniyeh said, adding that "the resistance project in Palestine will not weaken and will not go back. The assassinations add strength to the liberation of Jerusalem. Kassem Suleimani has dedicated his life to the resistance and he is the epitome of Jerusalem."

Saudi Prince Faisal Ben Farhan, who serves as Saudi Foreign Minister, referred to recent events in the Middle East and the tension that has grown throughout the region. Saudi Foreign Minister stressed that escalation is not a desirable situation, explaining that "it is undoubtedly a very dangerous moment and we must be aware of the risks and dangers not only to the region but to global security. Hope all players take the necessary steps to prevent any further escalation and provocation."