Israeli authorities have denied a request by a top Hamas leader to allow his three sisters in Israel to visit the Gaza Strip for his son's wedding.

The Israeli defense body COGAT said on Thursday that Ismail Haniyeh's request was denied because of "Israeli humanitarian cases" in Gaza.

It's apparently a reference to two Israeli citizens who Israel says are being held in Gaza, as well as the remains of Israeli soldiers Hamas is said to have from last summer's Israeli offensive on the strip.

COGAT has also refused a request by senior Hamas official Ihab Ghussein to travel to Jordan through Israel for urgent medical care.

Israel has also denied recent requests by Hamas officials to allow their relatives to seek medical treatment in Israel.

*This story was edited by Ahram Online.

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