Egypt played a strong national role during the recent negotiations with Israel to swap prisoners, said head of Hamas' Political office, Khaled Mashaal. He added the Egyptian and Palestinian negotiators managed to break Israel's negotiating rules. Mashaal expressed his pleasure during an interview with TV program This is the capital on CBC Channel for concluding the deal of releasing 1,027 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons. He described the deal as historic and has many gains. About the performance of the Egyptian mediator after the Egyptian January 25 Revolution, Hamas senior official said Egyptian intelligence is a national authority, clarifying the revolution spirit is reflected on its performance. Mashaal denied Hamas submitted an official request to Egypt about transferring their political office from Damascus to Cairo. He added Hamas does not aim to change its image as a terrorist and extremist movement to the West since they defend their legal rights, adding the West will one day realize this. About the effects of the Arab spring on Hamas, he said the Arab revolutions have no direct effect on Hamas' decisions since no one can interfere in its decisions.
