Egypt News

Hamas officials have accused Israel of delaying vital humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip, which they claim is essential to fulfill the terms of a recent ceasefire agreement. The accusations, reported on January 29, 2025, cite a failure to deliver key items, including fuel, tents, and heavy machinery, which were supposed to enter Gaza during the first week of the ceasefire that commenced on January 19. Two anonymous Hamas officials expressed concerns that continued delays could jeopardize the release of hostages, with one official stating, “We warn that continued delays and failure to address these points will affect the natural progression of the agreement, including the prisoner exchange.” The group has requested the intervention of mediators to address these issues. Despite the ongoing volatility, three hostages are scheduled to be released on Thursday, with an additional three set for release on Saturday. The ceasefire aims to last for 42 days, during which time seven Israeli hostages have been released in exchange for the liberation of 290 prisoners, primarily Palestinians. The situation remains tense as Hamas emphasizes the need for adherence to the humanitarian aspects of the ceasefire to ensure the continuation of negotiations and the safety of the hostages.

On January 25, 2025, seventy Palestinian prisoners were transported from Israel's Ktziot prison in the Negev desert to Egypt as part of a ceasefire agreement related to the ongoing Gaza conflict. The transfer occurred after the release of four Israeli hostages by Hamas militants in Gaza. According to state-linked Egyptian media, these prisoners will be subjected to medical treatment in Egyptian hospitals. This group's release is part of a broader arrangement involving the release of a total of 200 prisoners. The prisoners include individuals who have been serving life sentences for serious offenses against Israelis and, upon their release, will be permanently expelled from Palestinian territories. Footage showed prisoners disembarking in grey tracksuits at the Rafah border crossing. Amin Shuman, head of the Palestinian prisoners' affairs committee, stated that after their stay in Egypt, the prisoners will be given the option to relocate to Algeria, Turkey, or Tunisia. One released prisoner expressed joy, describing the moment as "indescribable" while waving from the bus window.

Seventy Palestinian prisoners were transported from the Ktziot prison in Israel to Egypt on January 25, 2025, as part of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. This release comes after the exchange of four Israeli hostages held by Hamas militants in Gaza. According to state-linked media in Egypt, the released prisoners are being referred to as those "deported" by Israel and will receive medical treatment in Egyptian hospitals. The larger agreement includes the release of over 230 Palestinian prisoners, many of whom are serving life sentences for attacks against Israelis. Upon their release, these individuals will be permanently expelled from Palestinian territories. Footage showed the prisoners arriving at the Rafah border crossing into Egypt dressed in grey tracksuits and expressing their relief and joy. After arriving in Egypt, the released prisoners will have the option to relocate to Algeria, Turkey, or Tunisia. Amin Shuman, head of the Palestinian prisoners’ affairs committee, confirmed this arrangement. One of the released individuals described the experience as "indescribable," expressing happiness as they waved to onlookers from the bus. This development marks a significant moment in the ongoing conflict and underscores the complex dynamics at play in the region.

Egypt's Suez Canal, a vital artery for global trade, is facing a significant crisis due to ongoing attacks by Houthi rebels from Yemen. Since November 2023, approximately 250 assaults on ships navigating the canal have been reported, severely disrupting maritime traffic as the rebels aim to influence international pressure on Israel regarding its operations in Gaza. Traffic through the canal has plummeted dramatically, falling from an average of 72 vessels per day in mid-December 2023 to just 27 ships by the month's end, carrying only a quarter of the usual cargo. This alarming decline has resulted in an estimated loss of $7 billion in revenue for Egypt in 2024, as confirmed by the country's Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. The Suez Canal Authority Chairman, Osama Rabie, indicated that more than 6,500 ships have altered their routes in response to the recent security concerns. The Egyptian government is grappling with a current account deficit exceeding $20 billion, intensified by dwindling canal revenues and a large trade deficit. Despite these challenges, Egyptian authorities remain optimistic about the canal's strategic importance and are considering further expansions to ensure its competitiveness once disruptions end. The Suez Canal has a long history of crises, but officials believe that no alternative route can match its efficiency and strategic location between Asia and Europe.

In compliance with the recently established ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, Egypt has sent 330 trucks loaded with humanitarian supplies to Gaza. The trucks were staged at the Rafah border crossing, connecting Egypt to the Gaza Strip, on January 19, 2025. However, due to Israeli inspection requirements and the destruction within Gaza, these trucks are making lengthy detours through Israel before entering the Palestinian enclave. Among the dispatched cargo, which includes 20 trucks carrying fuel, deliveries will initially pass through the Al Auga crossing for inspections by Israeli authorities. The situation remains complicated, as the Rafah terminal has sustained significant damage and is currently unfit for direct humanitarian entry. Tamara Alrifai, a spokesperson for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, has indicated that there are no immediate plans to open Rafah for humanitarian cargo due to its current state. It is anticipated that during this ceasefire phase, approximately 600 trucks of humanitarian aid daily may enter Gaza, of which 200 are expected from Egypt. Despite the logistical challenges, there is a shared sense of hope among truck drivers who have been waiting to deliver their cargo. Many express their desire to assist the suffering population in Gaza, with some acknowledging the delays introduced by Israeli controls. The agreement also allows for the transportation of injured or sick Palestinian civilians out of Gaza for medical treatment, although as of late Sunday, no civilians had yet crossed through Rafah.

Egypt's Suez Canal, a pivotal trade route, is facing a severe crisis due to a spate of attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Since late 2023, approximately 250 maritime assaults have disrupted traffic, leading to a dramatic decline in ship passage. Previously accommodating an average of 72 vessels daily, the canal saw this number plummet to just 27 by the end of December 2023, resulting in a cargo reduction of nearly 75%. As a consequence, revenue from the canal has reportedly dropped by about 60%, causing an estimated loss of $7 billion for Egypt in 2024. The minister of foreign affairs confirmed the dire implications for public finances, pointing to a current account deficit exceeding $20 billion, worsened by the Suez Canal revenue decline. Despite looking to the past for solutions, as the canal has weathered numerous crises since its opening over 150 years ago, authorities maintain a confident outlook for future expansions. They argue that the canal's strategic significance between Asia and Europe cannot be replicated, and plans are underway for further enhancements to ensure operational efficiency once current disruptions cease.

The Suez Canal, a vital trade route for global shipping, faces a significant crisis due to recurrent attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Since late 2023, the canal has seen approximately 250 assaults on passing ships, aimed at pressuring the international community regarding Israel's military actions in Gaza. This disruption has drastically reduced ship traffic; only 27 vessels passed through the canal by the end of December 2023, down from an average of 72, severely impacting cargo volume. Egypt's Foreign Minister has reported a remarkable 60% decline in Suez Canal revenues, leading to an estimated loss of $7 billion in 2024. As a result, more than 6,500 vessels have changed their routes, opting instead to navigate around Africa. This decline comes at a time when Egypt is grappling with its own economic challenges, including a current account deficit exceeding $20 billion. Despite these setbacks, Egyptian authorities remain optimistic, contending that the canal's strategic position between Asia and Europe will ensure its eventual recovery. Plans for further enhancements to the canal are already under consideration to accommodate larger ships and improve efficiency once normal traffic resumes.

Archaeologists working near Luxor, Egypt, have announced significant discoveries of rock-cut tombs and burial shafts believed to date back up to 3,600 years. The findings were made along the causeway of Queen Hatshepsut’s funerary temple on the west bank of the Nile River, and include artifacts that could reshape current understanding of ancient Egyptian life and practices. The Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities & Heritage reports that the excavation began in September 2022, in collaboration with Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities. Among the artifacts uncovered are bronze coins, funerary masks, winged scarabs, and clay children’s toys. Additionally, archaeologists found pottery tables that were likely used for ceremonial offerings, linking the tomb's occupants to military activities during that time. The tombs discovered are believed to belong to individuals from the Middle Kingdom, with some artifacts tracing back to the 17th dynasty. One notable tomb belonged to Djehuti-Mes, an overseer of Queen Teti Sheri’s palace, although it had been largely emptied over the centuries. Alongside these discoveries, parts of the Assassif Ptolemaic Necropolis were found, which contain tombs built over the remnants of Hatshepsut’s temple. This adds to previous findings, including 11 sealed burials located in a Middle Kingdom tomb announced in November 2024. These ongoing archaeological efforts near Luxor continue to reveal important insights into Egypt’s ancient civilization.

In a terrifying ordeal, Lucianna Galetta and 34 other survivors were trapped for 35 hours in a dark air pocket of the Sea Story, an Egyptian dive boat that sank in the Red Sea on November 25. Galetta's recount of her experience illustrates the chaos and fear aboard the vessel, which capsized after reportedly being struck by a large wave, a claim disputed by multiple survivors and experts. The Sea Story was carrying 31 international guests and 12 crew members on a six-day diving trip when it capsized in rough seas. Despite mechanical and human error being cited as potential causes for the tragedy, Egyptian authorities initially attributed the sinking to a wave that some survivor accounts have called into question. Survivors described a frantic escape as the boat rolled sharply in the night. Many were thrown from their beds, while others battled against floating debris to find exits. Sarah Martin, an NHS doctor, remembered the disorientation caused by plunging into total darkness. Many had difficulty locating life jackets, and safety equipment—including life rafts—were found lacking in supplies and functionality. As rescue efforts were delayed for hours, Galetta and her partner were eventually located by divers after spending more than a day in an air pocket. The sinking has drawn attention to the safety measures aboard similar vessels and raised questions about the response time from Egyptian authorities, with survivors suggesting that slow action may have cost lives. Despite the desperate circumstances, Galetta stressed the need for answers and accountability, noting the tragedy's lasting impact on the victims’ families and the diving community. An investigation is ongoing, but the precise causes behind the Sea Story’s disastrous end remain under scrutiny.

Archaeologists have unearthed several ancient tombs and burial artifacts near Luxor, Egypt, that date back up to 3,600 years, potentially reshaping current understandings of ancient Egyptian history. The discoveries were made along the west bank of the Nile River, specifically near the site of Queen Hatshepsut’s funerary temple, by the Zahi Hawass Foundation for Antiquities & Heritage. The excavation, which has been ongoing since September 2022 in collaboration with Egypt's Supreme Council of Antiquities, revealed rock-cut tombs, burial shafts, and parts of a temple, along with a wealth of artifacts. Among these findings are bronze coins, funerary masks, amulets, and even children's toys made from clay. Pottery tables used for offerings and military equipment were also found, suggesting a rich cultural and historical context for the area around 1500 B.C. One notable tomb belonged to Djehuti-Mes, an overseer associated with Queen Teti Sheri’s palace, although it had been largely stripped of artifacts over time. Additionally, remnants of Queen Hatshepsut’s Valley Temple indicate that the rock-cut tombs date back to the Middle Kingdom. This discovery adds to a recent finding of 11 sealed burials from a Middle Kingdom tomb near Luxor, which included skeletons of multiple generations, further highlighting the archaeological significance of this region. Experts believe that these findings could provide critical insights into the social practices and daily life of ancient Egyptians, signaling a historic moment for archaeology in Egypt.

The Suez Canal, a vital artery for global trade, is facing a severe crisis as a result of ongoing attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Since late 2023, the Houthis have executed approximately 250 strikes on maritime vessels transiting through the canal, severely disrupting shipping traffic. This has stemmed from their efforts to influence international stance on the Gaza conflict. The impacts of these disruptions are significant. Traffic through the canal dropped sharply from an average of 72 ships daily, carrying 4.4 million tonnes of cargo in mid-December 2023, to just 27 vessels by the end of that month. Consequently, many ships have opted to reroute around Africa, further exacerbating Egypt's financial strain. According to Egyptian officials, including Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty, revenue from the Suez Canal has plummeted by around 60%, with the state losing an estimated $7 billion in 2024 alone. More than 6,500 vessels have since altered their routes in response to the ongoing situation. The Suez Canal has faced challenges throughout its 150-year history, including the infamous blockage by the mega-ship Ever Given in 2021. Current disruptions coincide with Egypt's dire economic outlook, marked by a current account deficit exceeding $20 billion. Despite these challenges, Egyptian authorities remain optimistic, insisting that the canal's strategic position remains unparalleled and that expansion plans are underway. They are evaluating another upgrade to the canal, originally completed in 2021, to increase capacity and efficiency once the current issues are resolved.

The Suez Canal, a critical trade route for global maritime traffic, is facing a severe slowdown due to escalating attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels. Since November 2023, the Houthis have launched around 250 attacks on vessels in the canal, aiming to influence international actions regarding military operations in Gaza. The impact has been felt dramatically; daily ship crossings dropped from an average of 72 to just 27 by the end of December 2023, reducing cargo traffic from 4.4 million tonnes to approximately 1 million tonnes. The situation has financial ramifications for Egypt, with officials confirming a drastic 60% decline in revenue from the canal, equating to an estimated loss of $7 billion in 2024. Over 6,500 ships have redirected their routes, opting to navigate around Africa instead. Egypt's Foreign Minister, Badr Abdelatty, stated that the nation's current account deficit has exceeded $20 billion, exacerbated by these reduced canal revenues. Despite these challenges, Egyptian authorities remain optimistic, asserting that the canal’s strategic importance between Asia and Europe cannot be easily replaced. Plans for further expansions of the canal are in development, signifying an intent to boost operations once the current disruptions cease. The Suez Canal has a storied history of resilience, having faced multiple crises over its 150-year existence, including a significant blockade during the Six-Day War in 1967.

In a harrowing incident off the coast of Marsa Alam, Egypt, a 69-year-old retired dentist from Italy, Peppino Fappani, survived a fierce shark attack while attempting to rescue another snorkeler. The attack occurred on December 29, when Fappani rushed into the waters after witnessing Di Gioia, a 48-year-old EU diplomat, struggling in distress. Fappani described how he jabbed the shark in the eyes multiple times to fend it off, ultimately enduring serious injuries himself. Despite his bravery, Di Gioia was attacked and later succumbed to his injuries. Fappani insisted that they were swimming within the designated safe area, despite recent installations of anti-shark nets that were not in the immediate vicinity. Egyptian authorities are currently investigating the incident, which is part of a concerning trend with several fatal shark encounters in the region over recent years. While Fappani is now recovering from his injuries, he expressed sorrow over the loss of his fellow snorkeler. Mr. Fappani’s ordeal serves as a stark reminder of the dangers present even in designated swimming areas, particularly in regions known for frequent shark sightings.

A 4,100-year-old tomb belonging to a physician who reportedly treated pharaohs has been unearthed at the ancient site of Saqqara in Egypt. The Swiss-French archaeological team, which made the discovery, identified the doctor as Tetinebefou, based on inscriptions found within the tomb. Despite evidence of previous plundering, researchers were able to analyze wall paintings and hieroglyphics detailing Tetinebefou’s medical expertise. Tetinebefou held various notable titles, including "conjurer of the goddess Serqet," a deity linked with scorpions, indicating his specialization in treating poisonous bites. He also held the title of "director of medicinal plants" and was identified as the "chief dentist," a rare designation in the context of ancient Egypt. The tomb features vibrant wall paintings illustrating jars and other objects likely related to medical treatments, and reflects Tetinebefou’s stature as a leading physician of his time. While no human remains were found, the ongoing excavation may shed further light on his life and contributions. The specific pharaohs he served are yet to be determined, however, it is speculated that they may include Pepi II or his successors. Research and analysis of the site will continue as archaeologists work to uncover more about this remarkable find.