Arab states condemn attack in Egypt 

An image grab taken from a handout video released by the official Facebook page of Egypt's Military Spokesman on December 8, 2020 shows an Egyptian army armoured personnel carriers (APCs) driving in the desert. (File/AFP)
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Updated 09 May 2022
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Arab states condemn attack in Egypt 

Arab states condemned on Saturday a militant attack in Egypt’s restive northern part of the Sinai Peninsula that killed at least 11 troops.

Saudi Arabia 

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom’s strong condemnation and denunciation of the terrorist attack that targeted one of the water lifting points in Sinai, state news agency SPA reported. 

The ministry affirmed the Kingdom's full support for Egypt towards threats to its security and stability, and expressed its appreciation for the role of the Egyptian Armed Forces in confronting such terrorist acts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed the Kingdom's condolences and sympathy to the families of the victims and wished for a speedy recovery to all the injured.

UAE 

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC) affirmed the UAE's strong condemnation of these criminal acts, and irejects all forms of violence and terrorism aimed at destabilising security and stability, in “contravention of humanitarian values ​​and principles.”

The Ministry affirmed its solidarity and support with Egypt in confronting terrorists, and in taking all necessary measures to protect the country's security and stability, and eradicate this affliction.

The Ministry also expressed its sincere condolences and sympathy to the victims' families as a result of “this heinous crime,” and wished a speedy recovery for all the injured.

Jordan

The ministry’s spokesperson, Haitham Abu Al-Foul, voiced the Kingdom's strong condemnation of this terrorist attack, state news agency Petra reported. 

He stressed Jordan’s solidarity and unwavering support to Egypt and its efforts to confront the danger of terrorism and extremism.

He expressed his deepest condolences to the government and people of Egypt and the families of the victims, and wished a speedy recovery to the injured.

Bahrain 

The Foreign Ministry expressed sincere condolences to the Egyptian government, people, and families of those killed, wishing all those injured a speedy recovery, state news agency BNA said.

It affirmed Bahrain’s solidarity with Egypt in its war against terrorism, and its full support for all the measures it takes in confronting extremist terrorist organizations and maintaining the country’s security, stability and the safety of its citizens and residents.

The ministry expressed  Bahrain's pride in the Egyptian armed forces' sacrifices in protecting Egypt's security and stability, lauding the Egyptian stances in defending Arab national security, and deterring foreign interference targeting the region and its peoples.

Tunisia 

Tunisia expressed its full solidarity with Egypt in its fight against terrorism and offered its condolences to the families and relatives of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery to the injured, state news agency TAP reported. 

Yemen 

In a statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed that Yemen stands by Egypt in the face of all forms of extremism and terrorism, and its support for all measures it takes to protect its security and stability.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the firm position of Yemen, rejecting extremism and terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, expressing sincere condolences and sincere sympathy to the families of the victims, wishing all the injured a speedy recovery.

Kuwait 

Kuwait’s foreign minister voiced the country’s condemnation and denunciation of the attack, state news agency KUNA said. 

The ministry stressed Kuwait’s solidarity with Egypt in all measures it takes to maintain security and stability, and to confront terrorism and extremism.


Gaza fuel running short after Israel closes borders amid Iran war

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Gaza fuel running short after Israel closes borders amid Iran war

CAIRO/JERUSALEM: Gaza is rapidly running out of its limited fuel supply and stocks of food staples may become tight, officials say, after Israel blocked the ​entry of fuel and goods into the war-shattered territory, citing fighting with Iran.
Israel’s military closed all Gaza border crossings on Saturday after announcing air strikes on Iran carried out jointly with the United States. Israeli authorities say the crossings cannot be operated safely during war and have not said how long they would be shut.
Few days’ worth of supplies
Gaza is wholly ‌dependent on fuel ‌brought in by trucks from Israel ​and ‌Egypt ⁠and a ​lack ⁠of fresh supplies would put hospital operations at risk and threaten water and sanitation services, local officials say. Most Palestinians in Gaza are internally displaced after Israel’s two-year war with Hamas militants.
“I expect we have maybe a couple of days’ running time,” said United Nations official Karuna Herrmann, who directs fuel distribution in Gaza.
Amjad ⁠Al-Shawa, a Palestinian aid leader in Gaza, ‌who works with the UN and NGOs, ‌estimated fuel supplies could last three or ​four days, while stocks ‌of vegetables, flour, and other essentials could also soon run out ‌if the crossings remain shut.
Reuters was unable to independently verify those estimates.
Israel’s COGAT military agency, which controls access to Gaza, said that enough food had been delivered to the territory since the start of ‌an October truce to provide for the population.
“(The) existing stock is expected to suffice for ⁠an extended period,” ⁠COGAT said, without elaborating. It declined to comment on potential fuel shortages.
The truce was part of broader US-backed plan to end the war that involves reopening the Rafah border crossing with Egypt, increasing the flow of aid into the enclave, and rebuilding it.
Hamada Abu Laila, a displaced Palestinian in Gaza, said the closures were stoking fear of a return of famine, which gripped parts of the enclave last year after Israel blocked aid deliveries for 11 weeks.
“Why is it our fault, in ​Gaza, with regional wars ​between Israel, Iran, and America? It is not our fault,” Abu Laila said.