A high-level Egyptian security delegation met top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on 22 October, the Palestinian group said in a statement. The Egyptian delegation entered the Gaza Strip through the Israeli-controlled Erez crossing and consisted of Ahmad Abdel-Khaliq, who is in charge of the Palestinian file, and Hammam Abu-Zeid from the Egyptian intelligence. An Egyptian source told Quds Press that the delegation’s visit came in line with Egypt’s continuous efforts to deescalate tensions in the region and achieve Palestinian reconciliation, paving the way for the international community to carry out its pledges to improve the quality of life in the besieged Gaza Strip, which has been under a strict Israeli siege for 11 years. “Hamas discussed with the senior delegation several issues, above all the ceasefire agreement with the Israeli occupation and the Palestinian reconciliation,” Hamas wrote in its official statement.