Egypt’s El-Sisi warns region could become ‘ticking time bomb’

President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi said that Egypt would continue to play a positive role in the Israel-Hamas conflict and did not want it to expand regionally. (Reuters)
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Updated 30 October 2023
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Egypt’s El-Sisi warns region could become ‘ticking time bomb’

  • Says his country’s sovereignty should be respected after drones were intercepted after entering Egyptian air space on Friday

CAIRO: Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi on Saturday warned against any expansion of the conflict in Gaza, saying the region risked becoming a “ticking time bomb.”

He also said his country’s sovereignty should be respected after drones were intercepted after entering Egyptian air space on Friday.

Israel on Friday said it was the target of the drones which it blamed on Yemen’s Iranian-backed Houthi movement. Egypt’s military said the drones, which fell on the Egyptian towns of Taba and Nuweiba near the Israeli border, injuring six, originated in the southern Red Sea. It did not say who launched the drones.

“Regardless of where it comes from, I have warned of the expansion of the conflict. The region will become a ticking time bomb that impacts us all,” El-Sisi said, speaking at a conference.

“Egypt is a sovereign country and its sovereignty and position should be respected ... Egypt is a strong country and it is untouchable,” he added.

El-Sisi held a peace summit last Saturday and has called for aid to be allowed into Gaza, the release of hostages, and a cease-fire in the Israel-Hamas conflict.


Jordan-India partnership expanding across trade, technology and energy, says envoy

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Jordan-India partnership expanding across trade, technology and energy, says envoy

  • Indian Ambassador to Jordan Manish Chauhan described ties between the two countries as longstanding and built on mutual trust

AMMAN: Jordan and India are deepening cooperation across a wide range of sectors including trade, digital technology, renewable energy and infrastructure, Indian Ambassador to Jordan Manish Chauhan said Saturday.

Speaking to Jordan News Agency, Chauhan described ties between the two countries as longstanding and built on mutual trust, adding that relations span political, economic, defense, security, cultural and educational cooperation.

He said regular political dialogue continues between the two countries, and highlighted the fourth round of foreign ministry consultations held in Amman in April 2025 and a fifth round due to take place in New Delhi.

Chauhan also highlighted Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Jordan as a major milestone, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

During the visit, Modi praised the leadership of King Abdullah II and said Jordan and India share a “strong” contemporary partnership rooted in deep cultural ties.

The Indian premier also commended Jordan’s growing role as a regional bridge connecting markets and fostering business and economic growth.

The ambassador said discussions between King Abdullah II and Modi highlighted a shared commitment to expanding cooperation, particularly in renewable energy, water management, digital transformation, cultural exchange and heritage.

India is Jordan’s third-largest trading partner, with bilateral trade valued at about $2.8 billion, JNA reported.

Chauhan said both sides are now working toward doubling trade to $5 billion over the next five years.

He added that opportunities for business collaboration are emerging in several sectors, including digital public infrastructure, fintech, health-tech and agri-tech, as well as sectors such as pharmaceuticals, medical devices, green mobility, agriculture, food processing and heritage tourism.

On regional issues, Chauhan highlighted India’s longstanding support for Palestine, adding that New Delhi was among the first non-Arab states to recognize the Palestine Liberation Organization in the 1970s and the Palestinian state in 1988.

The ambassador said that the Indian Embassy in Amman remained committed to advancing the growing partnership in close coordination with Jordanian counterparts.