Protests Erupt in Egypt Over Trump's Gaza Relocation Proposal

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Hundreds of protesters gathered at the Rafah border crossing between Gaza and Egypt in response to U.S. President Donald Trump's suggestion that Palestinian refugees from Gaza should be relocated to Egypt and Jordan. Trump stated, “We do a lot for them, and they’re going to do it,” referring to the expected cooperation of both countries.

In reaction to the proposal, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi asserted that displacing the Palestinian people constitutes an "injustice" Egypt cannot accept. He emphasized that such a move would provoke widespread dissent among the Egyptian populace, stating, "If I were to ask this of the Egyptian people, all of them would take to the streets to say 'no.'"

Public protests in Egypt have been largely restricted since 2013, with only government-approved gatherings allowed. The Rafah crossing is a critical route for humanitarian aid to Gaza and is set to reopen this weekend for limited medical evacuations, as announced by a Hamas official. The World Health Organization has highlighted the extensive health needs arising from the conflict in Gaza, calling for urgent medical assistance.

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Tragedy Strikes as Submarine Sinks Near Egypt's Hurghada, Six Dead

A submarine carrying 45 tourists sank off the coast of Hurghada, Egypt, resulting in the deaths of six Russian nationals. According to the Red Sea governor, Maj Gen Amr Hanafi, 39 people were rescued, with four admitted to intensive care. The incident, involving a recreational submarine operated by Sindbad Submarines, occurred less than a mile offshore during an underwater excursion to observe coral reefs. Reports indicate that the submersible "crashed" at approximately 10 am local time while navigating near the area’s famed reefs, raising concerns about safety standards in the region. The local governor confirmed that the submarine was licensed and had a qualified crew. Previous incidents have highlighted ongoing safety issues, including a fatal dive boat accident in November 2024. Russia's Tass news agency cited the consul in Hurghada, revealing that among the deceased were at least two children. Despite confusion surrounding the passengers' nationalities, officials confirmed that all aboard were primarily Russian tourists. The Egyptian tourism industry, crucial for the country's economy, has faced numerous challenges in recent years.
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Fatal Submarine Accident Claims Lives of Tourists in Egypt's Red Sea

At least six foreign tourists have died and nine others were injured, four severely, after a tourist submarine sank off the coast of Hurgada, Egypt, according to local media reports. The incident occurred on Thursday when the submarine, which had 44 passengers on board, was engaged in an excursion to view the area's renowned coral reefs. Images released by the Egyptian newspaper Al-Masry Al-Youm showed the yellow submarine belonging to Sindbad, a company operating in the region for several years. The vessel typically dives to a depth of 22 meters to allow tourists to observe coral and exotic fish. The cause of the sinking remains unknown. Hurgada is a major tourist destination in Egypt, attracting visitors from Europe drawn to the Red Sea beaches. Despite its popularity for diving excursions, the safety records of vessels in the area have faced scrutiny. A previous incident on November 25, 2024, involved the sinking of another diving vessel, resulting in 11 fatalities and multiple missing persons. A maritime survey conducted from 2023 to 2024 identified numerous safety deficiencies among diving and safari boats operating in Egypt.
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Ancient Tomb Discovery Sheds Light on Egypt's Military Heritage

Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities (SCA) announced the remarkable discovery of a military leader's tomb dating back to the era of King Ramses III during an excavation at Tell Roud Iskander. This site, historically significant as a military stronghold, has revealed a main burial chamber, three adjoining rooms, and a trove of funerary relics, including jewelry and alabaster vessels, according to SCA Head Mohamed Abdel-Badie. The tomb, constructed from mudbrick and featuring white plastered walls, contained a human skeleton encased in layers of cartonnage, indicating its use over time. Although the identity of the officer remains unknown, historians speculate he may have links to King Horemheb, based on cartouches found within the burial site. In addition to the main tomb, the excavation unveiled mass graves and individual tombs from the Greco-Roman and Late Roman periods, containing amulets and skeletal remains. According to SCA Secretary-General Mohamed Ismail Khaled, Tell Roud played a pivotal role in defending Egypt's eastern borders during the New Kingdom. The ongoing research promises to further illuminate Egypt's ancient military history.
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