Hamas denies claim it is treating Islamic State fighters

Hamas is denying Israeli accusations that wounded Islamic State group fighters from Egypt had been smuggled through tunnels to receive medical care in the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas interior ministry dismisses the allegations as “false.”

Spokesman Iyad al-Bozom says the allegations were “aimed at inciting against the Gaza Strip and causing tension in the relationship between the Strip and the Arab Republic of Egypt (while) working to tighten the siege.”

Gaza health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra says hospitals in the enclave treat only local residents.

Israeli General Yoav Mordechai had accused the jihadist group of smuggling wounded fighters from Sinai Province — the IS affiliate in northern Egypt — through tunnels into the Palestinian enclave for treatment.

He alleged that wounded jihadis were taken to the hospital in Khan Yunis, but provided no firm evidence for the claim.

— with AFP