Hamas ready for security coop with Egypt

A Hamas official says the Egyptian government's decision to establish a buffer zone between the country and Gaza would not affect Gaza or the Hamas movement, adding that it was up to the country to decide on the initiative.

Ahmad Yousef's remarks came after Egypt said it had decided to carry out the buffer zone plan in response to an assassination bombing in Sinai that left scores of security forces dead.

Yousef said Hamas supports stability and security in Sinai, adding that Sinai security would be in the benefit of the Palestinian people.

The Hamas official also said the movement was ready to counter any anti-Egyptian move by deploying its forces across the border with the country.