Lorries carrying aid queue at the Rafah crossing as they wait for clearance to enter Gaza on Thursday. Getty Images
Lorries carrying aid queue at the Rafah crossing as they wait for clearance to enter Gaza on Thursday. Getty Images
Lorries carrying aid queue at the Rafah crossing as they wait for clearance to enter Gaza on Thursday. Getty Images
Lorries carrying aid queue at the Rafah crossing as they wait for clearance to enter Gaza on Thursday. Getty Images

Fifty years after going to war to liberate Sinai, Egypt rallies again to defend peninsula


Hamza Hendawi
  • English
  • Arabic

Reda Youssef is a veteran of Egypt's last war against Israel in 1973, a conflict ignited by a surprise attack by Egyptian troops to retake the Sinai Peninsula.

He was part of a band of 10 soldiers called “tank hunters”, who were armed with Soviet-made Malyutka missiles. However, he was wounded by shrapnel six days into the war and brought back to Cairo for treatment.

Fifty years later, Egypt finds itself in a new battle over Sinai, against what it sees as an Israeli campaign to forcibly relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to the peninsula.

Mr Youssef, now 77 and nursing a broken hip, brims with joyful energy when he recounts crossing the Suez Canal into Sinai on the east bank of the waterway at 4.30pm on October 6, 1973.

“It felt amazing to be part of a great thing like fighting to liberate Sinai,” he told The National.

"When I was wounded and taken to Suez [city], women there gave me corned beef and cigarettes. When I got to the hospital in Cairo, they took away my helmet and rifle, gave me a bath, a half-grilled chicken and five pounds.

“Those were days when people and the army were genuinely united because we were liberating our land.”

Six years after the 1973 Arab-Israeli war, Egypt signed a historic treaty with Israel.

Subsequently, Sinai, a vast region of arid desert, mountains and sandy beaches captured by Israel in 1967, was handed back to Egypt amid nationwide celebrations.

The day the last piece of land was returned to Egypt in April 1982 has become a national holiday that is celebrated to this day.

Israeli troops celebrate on June 10, 1967, after capturing the Sinai Peninsula. AP
Israeli troops celebrate on June 10, 1967, after capturing the Sinai Peninsula. AP

Sinai has historically served as Egypt's eastern gateway, with the country's armies marching through the region to take on enemies to the east.

Its land was often soaked by rivers of blood shed by soldiers defending their country against foreign invaders, of which there has been no shortage: Hyksos, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs, Crusaders and Ottomans.

In modern times, tens of thousands of Egyptian soldiers perished fighting in four wars against Israel between 1948 and 1973.

Sinai is now back on the centre stage in Egypt, but not because of another invasion.

Egypt says it is deeply alarmed and angered by suggestions that Israel's relentless bombardment of the Gaza Strip, launched in retaliation to a deadly attack by the Hamas militant group that rules the coastal enclave, could force Palestinians living there to flee into Sinai.

There is a fear that is fast gaining traction in the country that this is an attempt to make Sinai the Palestinians' homeland rather than the independent state they are demanding to have in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi, a former general facing re-election in December, warned on Wednesday that, if necessary, he would call upon the nation's 105 million people to take to the streets in support of his handling of the issue.

“The movement of Palestinian citizens from the Gaza Strip to Sinai is, to put it very simply, a transfer of the ideology of resistance and fighting from Gaza to Sinai,” Mr El Sisi said.

Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi speaks during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Cairo on Sunday. AP
Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El Sisi speaks during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Cairo on Sunday. AP

“That will make Sinai a base from which operations against Israel will be launched and Israel consequently will be within its right to self-defence and to protect its national security by striking back on Egyptian territory.”

Hours after he made these comments, the Egyptian senate held an emergency session and overwhelmingly adopted a motion supporting Mr El Sisi's policy on the Gaza war and his defence of the country's national interests, a reference to Sinai.

The lower chamber followed suit on Thursday, with some members calling for Egypt to go to war against Israel for the sake of the Palestinians, while others called for the repeal of the peace treaty between the two countries.

“It is only fitting that this agreement be dealt with in the house of deputies like this,” legislator Ahmed Al Borolossi screamed as he tore up a copy of Egypt’s US-sponsored 1978 Camp David Accords with Israel, which provided the basis for peace between the two neighbours and included a blueprint for a Middle East settlement.

Another MP, talk show host Mustafa Bakry, was just as dramatic. “No peace or agreements with the murderers ... war is the solution," shouted the legislator who, like most of his peers in the chamber on Thursday, wore the traditional Palestinian black-and-white scarf.

Both houses of parliament are packed with supporters of Mr El Sisi.

The Gaza crisis and the widely publicised alarm over the possible resettlement of Gaza's Palestinians in Sinai have energised Mr El Sisi's supporters ahead of the December election, in which he is expected to secure a third consecutive term in office.

Social media content creators loyal to Mr El Sisi have flooded platforms with calls for Egyptians to rally behind the President, praising his policy on Gaza and what they see as the lofty status he has gained on the international stage. Generous tributes were also paid to the army.

“We are with you, no matter what happens,” said one of the slogans posted online by supporters of Mr El Sisi.

Influential talk shows on government-influenced television networks have taken a similar approach while stoking anti-Israel and anti-western sentiment.

A UN camp for Palestinians displaced by the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, in Khan Younis, near the blockaded enclave's border with Egypt. AP
A UN camp for Palestinians displaced by the Israeli bombardment of Gaza, in Khan Younis, near the blockaded enclave's border with Egypt. AP

Rumours are circulating that Mr El Sisi turned down numerous offers made by western leaders to cancel most of his country’s foreign debt – more than $160 billion – in exchange for allowing Palestinians from Gaza to resettle in Sinai.

“History teaches us to be wary of the intentions of Israel, which will have no qualms about throwing Palestinians out of their homes and never allowing them back. Israel has mastered this game over the years,” said Mohamed Anis Salem, a former career diplomat who now sits on the Egyptian Council for Foreign Relations, a think tank.

“But I think the popular rhetoric on Israel’s intentions and the debt forgiveness offers by far exceed the facts on the ground. I see the issue of the Gaza war to be linked to the domestic politics of all relevant parties,” he said.

The Gaza crisis, the perceived danger stalking Sinai and the intense pro-government media campaign have combined to shift the focus of many Egyptians away from the country's crushing economic crisis.

Record inflation, a weakening currency and a crippling foreign currency shortage had, before the outbreak of the Israeli-Hamas war, been expected to influence how Egyptians voted in December.

“If food is dear, the homeland is much dearer,” said a post on social media by a pro-government group, apparently seeking to play down the significance of the economic crisis when the nation is facing a perceived security threat.

Meanwhile, the government and associated bodies are determined to make what has been portrayed as an existential issue – protecting the homeland against a perceived western-backed Israeli conspiracy, effectively replacing the economic crisis as the dominant national conversation topic.

Protesters shout pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel slogans during a rally outside Egypt's Journalists' Union in central Cairo on Wednesday. Bloomberg
Protesters shout pro-Palestinian and anti-Israel slogans during a rally outside Egypt's Journalists' Union in central Cairo on Wednesday. Bloomberg

Pro-government parties, associations and groups called on Egyptians to rally in support of Mr El Sisi on Friday to show what one appeal described as the “unity of Egypt's people and government in the face of the threats to liquidate the Palestinian cause, harm Egypt's national security and its territorial integrity”.

The proposed rallies will take place at designated squares in the capitals of Egypt's 27 provinces.

Rallying on the streets has been the exclusive privilege of Mr El Sisi’s supporters since a ban on street protests was introduced in 2013.

However, thousands of students at a half dozen universities in Cairo and elsewhere in Egypt staged noisy demonstrations in support of Palestinians. Activists also rallied in small groups outside professional unions.

Slogans supporting the Palestinian cause and condemning Israel’s bombardment of Gaza were zealously chanted, but not without including some chants critical of Mr El Sisi and his government.

"No [Palestinian] resettlement and no mandate," was one chant outside the Journalists' Union on Thursday night. It referred to Mr El Sisi's occasional calls for a popular mandate when faced with a pressing national issue that required drastic action.

Our legal consultant

Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Director: Shady Ali
Cast: Boumi Fouad , Mohamed Tharout and Hisham Ismael
Rating: 3/5

The specs

Engine: 2.3-litre, turbo four-cylinder

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Power: 300hp

Torque: 420Nm

Price: Dh189,900

On sale: now

Company Profile

Name: Thndr
Started: 2019
Co-founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Sector: FinTech
Headquarters: Egypt
UAE base: Hub71, Abu Dhabi
Current number of staff: More than 150
Funds raised: $22 million

A new relationship with the old country

Treaty of Friendship between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates

The United kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates; Considering that the United Arab Emirates has assumed full responsibility as a sovereign and independent State; Determined that the long-standing and traditional relations of close friendship and cooperation between their peoples shall continue; Desiring to give expression to this intention in the form of a Treaty Friendship; Have agreed as follows:

ARTICLE 1 The relations between the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland and the United Arab Emirates shall be governed by a spirit of close friendship. In recognition of this, the Contracting Parties, conscious of their common interest in the peace and stability of the region, shall: (a) consult together on matters of mutual concern in time of need; (b) settle all their disputes by peaceful means in conformity with the provisions of the Charter of the United Nations.

ARTICLE 2 The Contracting Parties shall encourage education, scientific and cultural cooperation between the two States in accordance with arrangements to be agreed. Such arrangements shall cover among other things: (a) the promotion of mutual understanding of their respective cultures, civilisations and languages, the promotion of contacts among professional bodies, universities and cultural institutions; (c) the encouragement of technical, scientific and cultural exchanges.

ARTICLE 3 The Contracting Parties shall maintain the close relationship already existing between them in the field of trade and commerce. Representatives of the Contracting Parties shall meet from time to time to consider means by which such relations can be further developed and strengthened, including the possibility of concluding treaties or agreements on matters of mutual concern.

ARTICLE 4 This Treaty shall enter into force on today’s date and shall remain in force for a period of ten years. Unless twelve months before the expiry of the said period of ten years either Contracting Party shall have given notice to the other of its intention to terminate the Treaty, this Treaty shall remain in force thereafter until the expiry of twelve months from the date on which notice of such intention is given.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF the undersigned have signed this Treaty.

DONE in duplicate at Dubai the second day of December 1971AD, corresponding to the fifteenth day of Shawwal 1391H, in the English and Arabic languages, both texts being equally authoritative.

Signed

Geoffrey Arthur  Sheikh Zayed

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Match info

Manchester City 3 (Jesus 22', 50', Sterling 69')
Everton 1 (Calvert-Lewin 65')

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MOUNTAINHEAD REVIEW

Starring: Ramy Youssef, Steve Carell, Jason Schwartzman

Director: Jesse Armstrong

Rating: 3.5/5

Infobox

Western Region Asia Cup Qualifier, Al Amerat, Oman

The two finalists advance to the next stage of qualifying, in Malaysia in August

Results

UAE beat Iran by 10 wickets

Kuwait beat Saudi Arabia by eight wickets

Oman beat Bahrain by nine wickets

Qatar beat Maldives by 106 runs

Monday fixtures

UAE v Kuwait, Iran v Saudi Arabia, Oman v Qatar, Maldives v Bahrain

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Fifa%20World%20Cup%20Qatar%202022%20
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THE SIXTH SENSE

Starring: Bruce Willis, Toni Collette, Hayley Joel Osment

Director: M. Night Shyamalan

Rating: 5/5

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Company profile

Date started: 2015

Founder: John Tsioris and Ioanna Angelidaki

Based: Dubai

Sector: Online grocery delivery

Staff: 200

Funding: Undisclosed, but investors include the Jabbar Internet Group and Venture Friends

If you go

Flying

Despite the extreme distance, flying to Fairbanks is relatively simple, requiring just one transfer in Seattle, which can be reached directly from Dubai with Emirates for Dh6,800 return.

 

Touring

Gondwana Ecotours’ seven-day Polar Bear Adventure starts in Fairbanks in central Alaska before visiting Kaktovik and Utqiarvik on the North Slope. Polar bear viewing is highly likely in Kaktovik, with up to five two-hour boat tours included. Prices start from Dh11,500 per person, with all local flights, meals and accommodation included; gondwanaecotours.com 

Roll of honour: Who won what in 2018/19?

West Asia Premiership: Winners – Bahrain; Runners-up – Dubai Exiles

UAE Premiership: Winners – Abu Dhabi Harlequins; Runners-up  Jebel Ali Dragons

Dubai Rugby Sevens: Winners – Dubai Hurricanes; Runners-up – Abu Dhabi Harlequins

UAE Conference: Winners  Dubai Tigers; Runners-up  Al Ain Amblers

Brief scores:

Day 2

England: 277 & 19-0

West Indies: 154

COMPANY%20PROFILE
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match info

Manchester United 3 (Martial 7', 44', 74')

Sheffield United 0

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The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo

The specs: 2018 Nissan 370Z Nismo
Price, base / as tested: Dh182,178
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Power: 350hp @ 7,400rpm
Torque: 374Nm @ 5,200rpm
Transmission: Seven-speed automatic
​​​​​​​Fuel consumption, combined: 10.5L / 100km

HIJRA

Starring: Lamar Faden, Khairiah Nathmy, Nawaf Al-Dhufairy

Director: Shahad Ameen

Rating: 3/5

RESULTS

6pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 1 (PA) $55,000 (Dirt) 1,900m
Winner: Rajeh, Antonio Fresu (jockey), Musabah Al Muhairi (trainer)

6.35pm: Oud Metha Stakes – Rated Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Get Back Goldie, William Buick, Doug O’Neill

7.10pm: Jumeirah Classic – Listed (TB) $150,000 (Turf) 1,600m
Winner: Sovereign Prince, James Doyle, Charlie Appleby

7.45pm: Firebreak Stakes – Group 3 (TB) $150,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Hypothetical, Mickael Barzalona, Salem bin Ghadayer

8.20pm: Al Maktoum Challenge Round-2 – Group 2 (TB) $350,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Hot Rod Charlie, William Buick, Doug O’Neill

8.55pm: Al Bastakiya Trial – Conditions (TB) $60,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Withering, Adrie de Vries, Fawzi Nass

9.30pm: Balanchine – Group 2 (TB) $180,000 (T) 1,800m
Winner: Creative Flair, William Buick, Charlie Appleby

Updated: October 20, 2023, 11:02 AM