Egypt is telling its own story of Cleopatra. Netflix film African Queen, which depicts Queen Elizabeth as black, was released on Wednesday amid ongoing controversy. In response, Egypt has launched counterprogramming plans to tell its own version of the ruler's story using "the highest levels of research and scrutiny.”

Al Wathaeqya, the state-backed Documentary channel of Egypt has announced plans to produce a documentary for government-owned broadcaster, United Media Services. The announcement comes days after several in the country raised objections to the Netflix film over the Queen's skin colour.&nbsp; 
 
“Starting as usual in all documentary production sector and documentary channel work, there are working sessions currently being held with a number of specialists in history, archaeology, and anthropology; to subject research related to the subject of the film and its image to the highest levels of research and scrutiny,” the channel said, according to a translation of its Facebook post. 
 
Not just the state, but independent filmmakers too are wanting to tell a version of the Queen's life. Director and Egyptologist Curtis Ryan Woodside also posted a 90-minute English-language documentary about Cleopatra VII on his YouTube channel Wednesday, rejecting “biased” opinions and “misinformed,” modern and American iterations of the queen that Netflix film reportedly narrates.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/explained-was-cleopatra-really-black-a-mystery-that-will-outlive-us-all-586070">Explained: Was Cleopatra really Black? A mystery that will outlive us all</a> 
 
Woodside's film discusses Egypt’s multi-racial society. It also features commentary from Kathleen Martinez, a Dominican archaeologist and Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s former minister of state for antiquities affairs- the two have vehemently opposed Netflix’s portrayal of the ancient ruler. 
 
The Netflix film African Queen&nbsp;has been produced by Jada Pinkett Smith. In a recent interview, Hawass said that the only Egyptian rulers known to have been Black were the Kushite kings of the 25th dynasty (747-656 BC). He also debunked the theory of Black Americans who have claimed that the Egyptian civilization has Black origins and are “obsessed” with the colonization of Egypt throughout its history.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/queen-cleopatra-director-reacts-to-the-casting-controversy-i-am-proud-to-stand-with-a-re-imagined-cleopatra-585030">Queen Cleopatra director reacts to casting controversy: I am proud to stand with a re-imagined Cleopatra</a> 
 
Queen Cleopatra was born in the Egyptian port city of Alexandria in 69 BC. She succeeded her father in 51 BC to rule until her death in 30 BC amid the expansion of the Roman Empire.&nbsp;

Experts in Egypt have stated she was Macedonian-Greek on the side of her father, Ptolemy XII. However, her maternal heritage is not clear and the ethnic origin of her mother is not clear. Historians have said it’s possible that she, or any other female ancestor, was an Indigenous Egyptian or from elsewhere in Africa. 
&nbsp;

Egypt is telling its own story of Cleopatra. Netflix film African Queen, which depicts Queen Elizabeth as black, was released on Wednesday amid ongoing controversy.

Egypt is telling its own story of Cleopatra. Netflix film African Queen, which depicts Queen Elizabeth as black, was released on Wednesday amid ongoing controversy. In response, Egypt has launched counterprogramming plans to tell its own version of the ruler's story using "the highest levels of research and scrutiny.” Al Wathaeqya, the state-backed Documentary channel of Egypt has announced plans to produce a documentary for government-owned broadcaster, United Media Services. The announcement comes days after several in the country raised objections to the Netflix film over the Queen's skin colour. “Starting as usual in all documentary production sector and documentary channel work, there are working sessions currently being held with a number of specialists in history, archaeology, and anthropology; to subject research related to the subject of the film and its image to the highest levels of research and scrutiny,” the channel said, according to a translation of its Facebook post. Not just the state, but independent filmmakers too are wanting to tell a version of the Queen's life. Director and Egyptologist Curtis Ryan Woodside also posted a 90-minute English-language documentary about Cleopatra VII on his YouTube channel Wednesday, rejecting “biased” opinions and “misinformed,” modern and American iterations of the queen that Netflix film reportedly narrates. Also read: Explained: Was Cleopatra really Black? A mystery that will outlive us all Woodside's film discusses Egypt’s multi-racial society. It also features commentary from Kathleen Martinez, a Dominican archaeologist and Zahi Hawass, Egypt’s former minister of state for antiquities affairs- the two have vehemently opposed Netflix’s portrayal of the ancient ruler. The Netflix film African Queen has been produced by Jada Pinkett Smith. In a recent interview, Hawass said that the only Egyptian rulers known to have been Black were the Kushite kings of the 25th dynasty (747-656 BC). He also debunked the theory of Black Americans who have claimed that the Egyptian civilization has Black origins and are “obsessed” with the colonization of Egypt throughout its history. Queen Cleopatra director reacts to casting controversy: I am proud to stand with a re-imagined Cleopatra Queen Cleopatra was born in the Egyptian port city of Alexandria in 69 BC. She succeeded her father in 51 BC to rule until her death in 30 BC amid the expansion of the Roman Empire. Experts in Egypt have stated she was Macedonian-Greek on the side of her father, Ptolemy XII. However, her maternal heritage is not clear and the ethnic origin of her mother is not clear. Historians have said it’s possible that she, or any other female ancestor, was an Indigenous Egyptian or from elsewhere in Africa.

Egypt to narrate its own version Cleopatra's story in response to Netflix' film African Queen

At least 14 people were killed and 25 others were injured after&nbsp;a bus collided with a heavy transport truck on a desert highway in southwestern Egypt on Wednesday (May 3), said a&nbsp;report by news agency Reuters,&nbsp;citing&nbsp;medical and security sources. The incident occurred on the Assuit-Kharga highway, around 400 kilometres away from the capital city of Cairo.&nbsp;

The state news agency&nbsp;MENA quoted New Valley governor Mohamed el-Zamlout as saying that 17&nbsp;ambulances were dispatched to the scene and those injured were taken to the hospital. Reportedly, the incident took place&nbsp;in New Valley province which shares a long border with neighbouring Libya.&nbsp; 
 
Egypt witnessed over 7,000 deaths in 2021 due to&nbsp;road accidents which reports have attributed to reckless driving,&nbsp;lax traffic rules and poor&nbsp;road infrastructure.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
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At least 14 people were killed and 25 others were injured after a bus collided with a heavy transport truck on a desert highway in southwestern Egypt on Wednesday (May 3), said a report by news agency Reuters, citing medical and security sources.

At least 14 people were killed and 25 others were injured after a bus collided with a heavy transport truck on a desert highway in southwestern Egypt on Wednesday (May 3), said a report by news agency Reuters, citing medical and security sources. The incident occurred on the Assuit-Kharga highway, around 400 kilometres away from the capital city of Cairo. The state news agency MENA quoted New Valley governor Mohamed el-Zamlout as saying that 17 ambulances were dispatched to the scene and those injured were taken to the hospital. Reportedly, the incident took place in New Valley province which shares a long border with neighbouring Libya. Egypt witnessed over 7,000 deaths in 2021 due to road accidents which reports have attributed to reckless driving, lax traffic rules and poor road infrastructure. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At least 14 killed, 25 injured in bus-truck collision on Egypt highway: Reports

An Israeli man was injured in a suspected terror attack in the West Bank town of Huwara on Sunday (March 19), as per local media reports. The Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom said a man in his 30s was seriously wounded in the shooting attack. This comes as the Israeli and Palestinian officials met in Egypt for talks, on Sunday, to prevent the surging violence from further escalating during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan&nbsp;which begins next week.&nbsp;

Suspected terror attack in Huwara

According to Magen David Adom, the two people found at the scene&nbsp;were&nbsp;a man and a woman in their 30s. The woman, later identified as his wife, was taken to a hospital for treatment of traumatic shock, while the man was in critical condition.

“We met up with the vehicle at the Einebus junction along with IDF medical personnel. We provided medical treatment to a man in his 30s who was seriously injured by a gunshot to his upper body and to a woman who fainted from anxiety,” said senior Magen David Adom medic, Moshe Meir Shimon, who was also present at the scene of the incident, reported the Jerusalem Post.&nbsp;

“We quickly transferred them to ambulances and evacuated them to the hospital, as the man was in serious condition,” Shimon added. The identity of the victims has not been revealed. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it received a report of a “shooting incident” in Huwara and that it has launched a manhunt for the suspected terrorist, as per local media reports.&nbsp;

According to initial reports on the incident, at least 20 bullets were fired at the car. The Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikvah, which is treating the victim said that he was sedated and on a ventilator with gunshot wounds to his head and shoulder but is since in a stable condition, reported the Times of Israel.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to Twitter and said he was praying for the “wounded hero” who succeeded in shooting the terrorist attacker supposedly confirming some media reports which said that the man who was shot managed to shoot back at the terrorist and injured him. Later the&nbsp;Israeli army confirmed&nbsp;that&nbsp;either soldiers or the victim shot the suspected Palestinian gunman who was the arrested by the&nbsp;Israeli forces.&nbsp;

Israeli and Palestinian officials meeting in Egypt

On Sunday, the officials from the two countries met in the resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. In a statement,&nbsp;Egypt’s foreign ministry said that the meeting “aims to support dialogue between the Palestinian and Israeli sides to work to stop unilateral actions and escalation, and break the existing cycle of violence and achieve calm”, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

It added, that a reduction in violence could create a climate for the “resumption of the peace process”. The move has also been backed by the United States and Jordan. The meeting comes weeks after talks in the Jordanian coastal city of Aqaba brokered by the US has&nbsp;seemingly failed&nbsp;to stop the violence despite the two sides vowing to de-escalate.&nbsp;

Recently, the Israeli-occupied West Bank has witnessed a surge in violence with increased military raids by the Israeli army and a settler rampage in the area last month amid a rise in attacks by Palestinians. There have been some clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians particularly near the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem around&nbsp;Ramzan which also coincides with the Jewish holiday, Passover and Christian Easter.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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An Israeli man was injured in a suspected terror attack in the West Bank town of Huwara on Sunday (March 19), as per local media reports. The Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom said a man in his 30s was seriously wounded in the shooting attack.

An Israeli man was injured in a suspected terror attack in the West Bank town of Huwara on Sunday (March 19), as per local media reports. The Israeli ambulance service Magen David Adom said a man in his 30s was seriously wounded in the shooting attack. This comes as the Israeli and Palestinian officials met in Egypt for talks, on Sunday, to prevent the surging violence from further escalating during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan which begins next week. Suspected terror attack in Huwara According to Magen David Adom, the two people found at the scene were a man and a woman in their 30s. The woman, later identified as his wife, was taken to a hospital for treatment of traumatic shock, while the man was in critical condition. “We met up with the vehicle at the Einebus junction along with IDF medical personnel. We provided medical treatment to a man in his 30s who was seriously injured by a gunshot to his upper body and to a woman who fainted from anxiety,” said senior Magen David Adom medic, Moshe Meir Shimon, who was also present at the scene of the incident, reported the Jerusalem Post. “We quickly transferred them to ambulances and evacuated them to the hospital, as the man was in serious condition,” Shimon added. The identity of the victims has not been revealed. Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that it received a report of a “shooting incident” in Huwara and that it has launched a manhunt for the suspected terrorist, as per local media reports. According to initial reports on the incident, at least 20 bullets were fired at the car. The Beilinson Hospital in Petah Tikvah, which is treating the victim said that he was sedated and on a ventilator with gunshot wounds to his head and shoulder but is since in a stable condition, reported the Times of Israel. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to Twitter and said he was praying for the “wounded hero” who succeeded in shooting the terrorist attacker supposedly confirming some media reports which said that the man who was shot managed to shoot back at the terrorist and injured him. Later the Israeli army confirmed that either soldiers or the victim shot the suspected Palestinian gunman who was the arrested by the Israeli forces. Israeli and Palestinian officials meeting in Egypt On Sunday, the officials from the two countries met in the resort city of Sharm el-Sheikh in Egypt. In a statement, Egypt’s foreign ministry said that the meeting “aims to support dialogue between the Palestinian and Israeli sides to work to stop unilateral actions and escalation, and break the existing cycle of violence and achieve calm”, reported Reuters. It added, that a reduction in violence could create a climate for the “resumption of the peace process”. The move has also been backed by the United States and Jordan. The meeting comes weeks after talks in the Jordanian coastal city of Aqaba brokered by the US has seemingly failed to stop the violence despite the two sides vowing to de-escalate. Recently, the Israeli-occupied West Bank has witnessed a surge in violence with increased military raids by the Israeli army and a settler rampage in the area last month amid a rise in attacks by Palestinians. There have been some clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians particularly near the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem around Ramzan which also coincides with the Jewish holiday, Passover and Christian Easter. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli man injured in West Bank shooting attack; officials meet in Egypt to prevent violence ahead of Ramzan

The Egyptian government’s order asking people to consume chicken feet has come under heavy flak from the people as soaring inflation drives up prices of essential food items in the country.

Egypt is facing one of its worst economic instability in five years and suffering a record currency crisis. Its inflation went over 30 per cent in March, making it difficult for people to afford dietary staples, especially chicken.

Over the past 12 months, the Egyptian Pound has lost half its value when compared to the US dollar.

Since Egypt depends on food imports to a large extent to feed its population of 100 million, the drop in currency value has created a food shortage and as a result, the cost of some products, including oil and cheese, has doubled or tripled.

In light of the development, the nation’s National Institution for Nutrition in January called on people to switch to eating chicken feet, which are normally given to dogs and cats and considered a cheap source of protein.

The order triggered a massive outcry amongst the citizens who couldn’t believe that their government would ask them to resort to foods considered to be symbols of extreme poverty in the country.

<h2>Egypt to sell state assets on Dollar crunch</h2>

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“One seller told me the price for a kilo of chicken fillets was LE160. Others say 175, 190, even 200," says Wedad, a mother-of-three in her sixties, told BBC. "Nowadays, even one egg is sold for LE5 [US $0.16; £0.13]."

Even as the people point fingers at the government for this turmoil, President Adbdul Fattah al-Sisi often blames the 2011 Egyptian uprising and rapid population growth for his country's current economic instability. He also points to the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine.

Egypt is the world's second-biggest importer of wheat. Its two primary suppliers were Russia and Ukraine. However, the war in March last year disrupted exports to Egypt.

Moreover, Russian and Ukrainian holidaymakers contributed a lot to Egypt’s robust tourism sector.

However, the war dealt a serious blow to the tourism sector—which generates about 5 per cent of GDP—that was already hit by the pandemic

(With inputs from agencies)

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The Egyptian government’s order asking people to consume chicken feet has come under heavy flak from the people as soaring inflation drives up prices of essential food items in the country.

The Egyptian government’s order asking people to consume chicken feet has come under heavy flak from the people as soaring inflation drives up prices of essential food items in the country. Egypt is facing one of its worst economic instability in five years and suffering a record currency crisis. Its inflation went over 30 per cent in March, making it difficult for people to afford dietary staples, especially chicken. Over the past 12 months, the Egyptian Pound has lost half its value when compared to the US dollar. Since Egypt depends on food imports to a large extent to feed its population of 100 million, the drop in currency value has created a food shortage and as a result, the cost of some products, including oil and cheese, has doubled or tripled. In light of the development, the nation’s National Institution for Nutrition in January called on people to switch to eating chicken feet, which are normally given to dogs and cats and considered a cheap source of protein. The order triggered a massive outcry amongst the citizens who couldn’t believe that their government would ask them to resort to foods considered to be symbols of extreme poverty in the country. Egypt to sell state assets on Dollar crunch “One seller told me the price for a kilo of chicken fillets was LE160. Others say 175, 190, even 200," says Wedad, a mother-of-three in her sixties, told BBC. "Nowadays, even one egg is sold for LE5 [US $0.16; £0.13]." Even as the people point fingers at the government for this turmoil, President Adbdul Fattah al-Sisi often blames the 2011 Egyptian uprising and rapid population growth for his country's current economic instability. He also points to the Covid pandemic and the war in Ukraine. Egypt is the world's second-biggest importer of wheat. Its two primary suppliers were Russia and Ukraine. However, the war in March last year disrupted exports to Egypt. Moreover, Russian and Ukrainian holidaymakers contributed a lot to Egypt’s robust tourism sector. However, the war dealt a serious blow to the tourism sector—which generates about 5 per cent of GDP—that was already hit by the pandemic (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Egyptians aghast at govt after being told to eat chicken feet to tide over food crisis 

Two passengers were killed and several others suffered injuries in a train accident in Cairo on Tuesday, said the health ministry of Egypt after the latest rail tragedy in the country.

The ministry, in its statement, said that there were "two dead in the train accident at Qalyub, while the injured are in stable condition."

The train accident took place in Qalyub, which is located north of Cairo in the Nile Delta.

The national rail authority of Egypt said that the accident happened when a passenger train while entering Qalyub station, ran through a stop signal.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greece-thousands-protest-in-athens-over-deadly-train-crash-demonstrators-clash-with-police-pm-issues-apology-568882">Greece: Thousands protest in Athens over deadly train crash; PM issues apology</a>

"That led to the derailment of the locomotive and the first carriage," the authority said in a statement. The pictures from the site of the accident showed the responders moving towards rail cars.

The officials said that an investigation into the cause of the accident is being carried out. Around 20 ambulances were sent to the accident site and the injured passengers were admitted to nearby hospitals, said health authorities.

A perimeter was formed by the police to hold back the people who had perched on the nearby walls. Later, a crane was brought to lift a derailed car which looked partially crumpled.

The rail accidents in Egypt have been blamed on poor maintenance and infrastructure.

Transport Minister Kamel el-Wazir, in April 2021, fired the head of the rail authority after an uproar over the dilapidated train lines' mismanagement.

WATCH | Train crash in Greece - at least 36 killed in head-on collision

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"The goal of these decisions is not merely about leadership changes of the authority but are in line with the next stage which demands... a complete upgrade of the railway network," the transport ministry had stated at the time.

The changes "underway aim to provide better services, working around the clock to serve commuters and to upgrade... this essential service which transports millions of passengers yearly", it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Two passengers were killed and several others suffered injuries in a train accident in Cairo on Tuesday, said the health ministry of Egypt after the latest rail tragedy in the country.

Two passengers were killed and several others suffered injuries in a train accident in Cairo on Tuesday, said the health ministry of Egypt after the latest rail tragedy in the country. The ministry, in its statement, said that there were "two dead in the train accident at Qalyub, while the injured are in stable condition." The train accident took place in Qalyub, which is located north of Cairo in the Nile Delta. The national rail authority of Egypt said that the accident happened when a passenger train while entering Qalyub station, ran through a stop signal. ALSO READ | Greece: Thousands protest in Athens over deadly train crash; PM issues apology "That led to the derailment of the locomotive and the first carriage," the authority said in a statement. The pictures from the site of the accident showed the responders moving towards rail cars. The officials said that an investigation into the cause of the accident is being carried out. Around 20 ambulances were sent to the accident site and the injured passengers were admitted to nearby hospitals, said health authorities. A perimeter was formed by the police to hold back the people who had perched on the nearby walls. Later, a crane was brought to lift a derailed car which looked partially crumpled. The rail accidents in Egypt have been blamed on poor maintenance and infrastructure. Transport Minister Kamel el-Wazir, in April 2021, fired the head of the rail authority after an uproar over the dilapidated train lines' mismanagement. WATCH | Train crash in Greece - at least 36 killed in head-on collision "The goal of these decisions is not merely about leadership changes of the authority but are in line with the next stage which demands... a complete upgrade of the railway network," the transport ministry had stated at the time. The changes "underway aim to provide better services, working around the clock to serve commuters and to upgrade... this essential service which transports millions of passengers yearly", it added. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Two killed, 16 injured in Egypt train accident, says health ministry

Authorities in Egypt have detained 29 people who are accused of running an online cryptocurrency scam, state media reported on Sunday (March 5). Those detained include 13 foreigners. The cryptocurrency scam reportedly duped thousands of investors.

According to the report, the nexus pocketted about USD 620,000 by duping its victims. Egypt is already battling economic crisis amid rapid inflation.

The group ran the online platform "HoggPool" which promised its clients "financial gains after having lured them by fraudulent means", said a statement released by the prosecution service late Saturday.

The scheme promised large profits from crypto-currency mining and trading services, for fees charged at an attractive foreign exchange rate.

"They sold people a computer tool: you paid 4,000 Egyptian pounds for it, and you earned 30,000 pounds. You paid 100,000 and you earned a million," said TV talk show presenter Amr Adib.

Launched in August, HoggPool abruptly ceased operations in February and vanished with the money, the state-run daily Al-Ahram reported.

Authorities said the network was planning to launch a new platform called "Riot" when they were arrested.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Authorities in Egypt have detained 29 people who are accused of running an online cryptocurrency scam, state media reported on Sunday (March 5). Those detained include 13 foreigners.

Authorities in Egypt have detained 29 people who are accused of running an online cryptocurrency scam, state media reported on Sunday (March 5). Those detained include 13 foreigners. The cryptocurrency scam reportedly duped thousands of investors. According to the report, the nexus pocketted about USD 620,000 by duping its victims. Egypt is already battling economic crisis amid rapid inflation. The group ran the online platform "HoggPool" which promised its clients "financial gains after having lured them by fraudulent means", said a statement released by the prosecution service late Saturday. The scheme promised large profits from crypto-currency mining and trading services, for fees charged at an attractive foreign exchange rate. "They sold people a computer tool: you paid 4,000 Egyptian pounds for it, and you earned 30,000 pounds. You paid 100,000 and you earned a million," said TV talk show presenter Amr Adib. Launched in August, HoggPool abruptly ceased operations in February and vanished with the money, the state-run daily Al-Ahram reported. Authorities said the network was planning to launch a new platform called "Riot" when they were arrested. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Egypt: Twenty-nine detained for alleged crypto scam

Egypt Ambassador Wael Hamed has said that the upcoming visit of&nbsp;Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will be "groundbreaking" and both countries are "going to have a strategic relationship".&nbsp; Egypt, for the first time, has been invited as a guest country for India's republic day on January 26.

Speaking to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the ambassador said, "What we have here is a new opening, a new beginning to not only bring back the heydays of relations between Egypt, India and to break new grounds, to reach even higher potentials in the relationship".

On defence relationships, the ambassador said that his country is looking to "extend the areas of defence cooperation...Not only maritime exercises, in other areas, in air defence, land combat, this month we will have first-ever exercises between special forces of both countries".

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the country last year during which a pact on defence cooperation was also signed.&nbsp;IAF pilots trained Egyptian pilots from the 1960s until 1984. Two officers from Egyptian Navy participated in Multilateral Indian Naval Exercise MILAN-2022 held from 25 Feb-04 Mar 2022.

Egypt has traditionally been one of India’s most important trading partners in the African continent. Inviting Indian investors, Ambassador Wael highlighted, "Egypt.. has FTA with the EU, Arab world and the whole of Africa. So this means by coming to Egypt, India will be able to reach and get duty free access to all these markets in the region". Full interview. 
&nbsp;

WION: It is the first time Egypt has been invited for India's Republic day, how will it help in bilateral ties?

Wael Hamed: This is a historic relationship, historic because we are the 2 oldest civilizations, civilizational countries. We say the heyday of Egypt-India relations was the 1950s, and 1960s. the period of then-president Nasser in Egypt, and then-PM Nehru in India. But even at the time of Nasser&nbsp;and Nehru, an Egyptian president never had the honor of being in India for republic day. I see it as a truly historic moment in our relationship. Let us not forget, President Sisi and PM Modi, both came in 2014, so came together at the same time. They share the same vision and priority of putting their countries first, trying to achieve development, and modernizing the countries in the rightful place at the international stage. What we have here is a new opening, a new beginning to not only bring back the heydays of relations between Egypt, India and to break new grounds, to reach even higher potentials in the relationship and therefore, we are working together a strategic relationship between the 2 countries. In all respects, it will be a historic visit. Especially, as I said our president has not been at this occasion before.

&nbsp;

WION: &nbsp;What will be the key focus of the Egyptian President in terms of deliverables?

Wael Hamed: This is going to be a groundbreaking visit, we are going to have a strategic relationship. A strategic relationship is built on several pillars. If we speak about the pillar of Defence and security, we always have to remember, India as the biggest country in the Indian Ocean is very much in the security of the Indian ocean. But the security of the Indian ocean starts with the entrance to the ocean in the red sea. For Egypt, the entrance is the Suez&nbsp; Canal. The security of the Suez Canal starts with the Indian Ocean as well. So in the area of security, it is very important for both countries to come together and discuss how things are developing in the world around us in an era of an ever-changing perspective. The defence will be an important area.

Trade and investment will be extremely important. Over the past year, our bilateral trade relations reached appox $7bn and agreed it will reach the level of $12 bn. So the potentials are present and even the $7bn last year was achieved in spite of the pandemic, and disruption of the supply chain because of the disruption of the supply chain. The potential is huge. Indian investments in Egypt have reached 1.5 bn US dollars, but lately, we have reached several deals especially renewable energy which will bring the volume to $20 billion something. So we are very much interested in the economic aspect of the relationship and what we always say Egypt should be India's natural partner. With this kind of geographical location bridges Asia and Europe, bringing India closer to the EU with all its markets.

Usually, when we speak about India, it's a huge country and by the end of the year will be the most populated country. Egypt relatively might be smaller, but let us not forget, for Indian investors, they will be able to tap into a large market, and consumers in Europe, and Africa in a region with which we have Free trade pacts. For any investor, investing in Egypt means he has the opportunity to go duty-free into areas--from higher income levels in the northern EU to medium and low income in the middle east and Africa. Important for India as well. By locating to Egypt, you come closer to all these markets, closer geographically and cut the distance in half and that will cut in half the cost of freight, insurance, and time. Egypt is very strategically located. The 3rd area of common interest will be IT, Energy, pharma and several fields and both countries have enormous potential to work together.

&nbsp;

WION: Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh was in Egypt earlier this year, what kind of engagement will both sides see on the defence side?

Wael Hamed: What we are looking for is to extend the areas of defence cooperation in all fields. Not only maritime exercises, in other areas, in air defence, land combat, this month we will have the first-ever exercises between special forces of both countries. So the areas are enormous, the idea of joint production of military equipment is also there, and it will be discussed, and it was the focus of the visit of his excellency Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh in Cairo in September last year. So areas are huge, for sure this year we will discuss this potential, especially since we are going to have a joint military working group sometime later this year.

&nbsp;

WION: Is Egypt interested in India's Tejas?

Wael Hamed: I think this is something, I will leave it up to the minister to discuss with the air force and see what they can do about it. But for sure we are keeping a very close eye on the advancement that India is achieving in its defence industry especially when it comes to fighter planes, missiles and many things India has proved to be a successful country.

&nbsp;

Sidhant Sibal: On the agriculture front we saw Egypt allowing Indian wheat, how do you see the future going?

Wael Hamed: I would like to put it in the context of food security, and it's not only about wheat. Wheat is important for Egypt, and we have approved India as an exporter. Unfortunately, Because of the climate change issue, heatwave India has to ban wheat, something we understand but we hope this ban is lifted soon so that we can resume our trade relations with India when it comes to Wheat. On the other hand, India is in need of fertilizer, to guarantee its supply of fertilizer, Egypt is one of the main producers of fertilizer in the region and has enormous potential in it. So the idea of mutual benefit is there and also in terms of market access, so many agricultural exports that India can export to Egypt as well and we can export to India. So market access is very important in the general context of food security.

&nbsp;

WION: So will we see an elevation of ties between India, Egypt as a strategic partners?

Wael Hamed: This is something, I hope we are going to announce during this visit and will details be worked out.

&nbsp;

WION: How can Egypt be a gateway for Africa and the Arab world for India?

Wael Hamed: Egypt is one of the countries that has many free trade agreements with many countries, we have FTA with the EU, Arab world and the whole of Africa. So this means by coming to Egypt, India will be able to reach and get duty free access to all these markets in the region. By virtue of its location, it is very important for India to secure a place in Egypt. The kind of opportunity India will have, investors can have. The many incentives we provide for investors in the Suez canal economic zone, it has proven to be an attractive location for foreign investors. We are inviting foreign investors, who really have interest in trapping markets of EU, Africa, Middle east, to come to Egypt, enjoy access to these regions and strategic locations.

&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;How can President Sisi, and PM Modi chalk a path in the global south, something we have seen in the past?

Wael Hamed: What we are seeing in the international arena is proving that Egypt and India are extremely important players. For example, Egypt has been invited by India for the G20 summit as a guest country. This proves that these 2 important developing countries can come together and can speak out for the global south. Let us not forget, India is on its way to becoming the biggest developing country and Egypt is the biggest country in the region and traditionally had relations with Africa, the Arab world etc. Just like in the past, PM Nehru and President Nasser lead the NAM, I think Egypt and India can lead the developing world and bring the voice of the developing countries to the G20.

&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;India has invited Egypt to the G20 summit, how do you see it?

Wael Hamed: Invitation of Egypt as the guest country to the G20 is very much appreciated from our side and something that adds value to the work grouping. Let us not forget, COP27 happened in Egypt and we discussed climate change and other things related to it including projects. Projects need finance and when G20 comes they will be discussing the economic situation including the possibility of making finance available to developing countries. It seems to me a natural continuation and natural thing to invite Egypt as a guest country. 
&nbsp;

Egypt Ambassador Wael Hamed has said that the upcoming visit of Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will be "groundbreaking" and both countries are "going to have a strategic relationship".

Egypt Ambassador Wael Hamed has said that the upcoming visit of Egypt President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi will be "groundbreaking" and both countries are "going to have a strategic relationship". Egypt, for the first time, has been invited as a guest country for India's republic day on January 26. Speaking to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the ambassador said, "What we have here is a new opening, a new beginning to not only bring back the heydays of relations between Egypt, India and to break new grounds, to reach even higher potentials in the relationship". On defence relationships, the ambassador said that his country is looking to "extend the areas of defence cooperation...Not only maritime exercises, in other areas, in air defence, land combat, this month we will have first-ever exercises between special forces of both countries". Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh visited the country last year during which a pact on defence cooperation was also signed. IAF pilots trained Egyptian pilots from the 1960s until 1984. Two officers from Egyptian Navy participated in Multilateral Indian Naval Exercise MILAN-2022 held from 25 Feb-04 Mar 2022. Egypt has traditionally been one of India’s most important trading partners in the African continent. Inviting Indian investors, Ambassador Wael highlighted, "Egypt.. has FTA with the EU, Arab world and the whole of Africa. So this means by coming to Egypt, India will be able to reach and get duty free access to all these markets in the region". Full interview. WION: It is the first time Egypt has been invited for India's Republic day, how will it help in bilateral ties? Wael Hamed: This is a historic relationship, historic because we are the 2 oldest civilizations, civilizational countries. We say the heyday of Egypt-India relations was the 1950s, and 1960s. the period of then-president Nasser in Egypt, and then-PM Nehru in India. But even at the time of Nasser and Nehru, an Egyptian president never had the honor of being in India for republic day. I see it as a truly historic moment in our relationship. Let us not forget, President Sisi and PM Modi, both came in 2014, so came together at the same time. They share the same vision and priority of putting their countries first, trying to achieve development, and modernizing the countries in the rightful place at the international stage. What we have here is a new opening, a new beginning to not only bring back the heydays of relations between Egypt, India and to break new grounds, to reach even higher potentials in the relationship and therefore, we are working together a strategic relationship between the 2 countries. In all respects, it will be a historic visit. Especially, as I said our president has not been at this occasion before. WION: What will be the key focus of the Egyptian President in terms of deliverables? Wael Hamed: This is going to be a groundbreaking visit, we are going to have a strategic relationship. A strategic relationship is built on several pillars. If we speak about the pillar of Defence and security, we always have to remember, India as the biggest country in the Indian Ocean is very much in the security of the Indian ocean. But the security of the Indian ocean starts with the entrance to the ocean in the red sea. For Egypt, the entrance is the Suez Canal. The security of the Suez Canal starts with the Indian Ocean as well. So in the area of security, it is very important for both countries to come together and discuss how things are developing in the world around us in an era of an ever-changing perspective. The defence will be an important area. Trade and investment will be extremely important. Over the past year, our bilateral trade relations reached appox $7bn and agreed it will reach the level of $12 bn. So the potentials are present and even the $7bn last year was achieved in spite of the pandemic, and disruption of the supply chain because of the disruption of the supply chain. The potential is huge. Indian investments in Egypt have reached 1.5 bn US dollars, but lately, we have reached several deals especially renewable energy which will bring the volume to $20 billion something. So we are very much interested in the economic aspect of the relationship and what we always say Egypt should be India's natural partner. With this kind of geographical location bridges Asia and Europe, bringing India closer to the EU with all its markets. Usually, when we speak about India, it's a huge country and by the end of the year will be the most populated country. Egypt relatively might be smaller, but let us not forget, for Indian investors, they will be able to tap into a large market, and consumers in Europe, and Africa in a region with which we have Free trade pacts. For any investor, investing in Egypt means he has the opportunity to go duty-free into areas--from higher income levels in the northern EU to medium and low income in the middle east and Africa. Important for India as well. By locating to Egypt, you come closer to all these markets, closer geographically and cut the distance in half and that will cut in half the cost of freight, insurance, and time. Egypt is very strategically located. The 3rd area of common interest will be IT, Energy, pharma and several fields and both countries have enormous potential to work together. WION: Indian defence minister Rajnath Singh was in Egypt earlier this year, what kind of engagement will both sides see on the defence side? Wael Hamed: What we are looking for is to extend the areas of defence cooperation in all fields. Not only maritime exercises, in other areas, in air defence, land combat, this month we will have the first-ever exercises between special forces of both countries. So the areas are enormous, the idea of joint production of military equipment is also there, and it will be discussed, and it was the focus of the visit of his excellency Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh in Cairo in September last year. So areas are huge, for sure this year we will discuss this potential, especially since we are going to have a joint military working group sometime later this year. WION: Is Egypt interested in India's Tejas? Wael Hamed: I think this is something, I will leave it up to the minister to discuss with the air force and see what they can do about it. But for sure we are keeping a very close eye on the advancement that India is achieving in its defence industry especially when it comes to fighter planes, missiles and many things India has proved to be a successful country. Sidhant Sibal: On the agriculture front we saw Egypt allowing Indian wheat, how do you see the future going? Wael Hamed: I would like to put it in the context of food security, and it's not only about wheat. Wheat is important for Egypt, and we have approved India as an exporter. Unfortunately, Because of the climate change issue, heatwave India has to ban wheat, something we understand but we hope this ban is lifted soon so that we can resume our trade relations with India when it comes to Wheat. On the other hand, India is in need of fertilizer, to guarantee its supply of fertilizer, Egypt is one of the main producers of fertilizer in the region and has enormous potential in it. So the idea of mutual benefit is there and also in terms of market access, so many agricultural exports that India can export to Egypt as well and we can export to India. So market access is very important in the general context of food security. WION: So will we see an elevation of ties between India, Egypt as a strategic partners? Wael Hamed: This is something, I hope we are going to announce during this visit and will details be worked out. WION: How can Egypt be a gateway for Africa and the Arab world for India? Wael Hamed: Egypt is one of the countries that has many free trade agreements with many countries, we have FTA with the EU, Arab world and the whole of Africa. So this means by coming to Egypt, India will be able to reach and get duty free access to all these markets in the region. By virtue of its location, it is very important for India to secure a place in Egypt. The kind of opportunity India will have, investors can have. The many incentives we provide for investors in the Suez canal economic zone, it has proven to be an attractive location for foreign investors. We are inviting foreign investors, who really have interest in trapping markets of EU, Africa, Middle east, to come to Egypt, enjoy access to these regions and strategic locations. WION: How can President Sisi, and PM Modi chalk a path in the global south, something we have seen in the past? Wael Hamed: What we are seeing in the international arena is proving that Egypt and India are extremely important players. For example, Egypt has been invited by India for the G20 summit as a guest country. This proves that these 2 important developing countries can come together and can speak out for the global south. Let us not forget, India is on its way to becoming the biggest developing country and Egypt is the biggest country in the region and traditionally had relations with Africa, the Arab world etc. Just like in the past, PM Nehru and President Nasser lead the NAM, I think Egypt and India can lead the developing world and bring the voice of the developing countries to the G20. WION: India has invited Egypt to the G20 summit, how do you see it? Wael Hamed: Invitation of Egypt as the guest country to the G20 is very much appreciated from our side and something that adds value to the work grouping. Let us not forget, COP27 happened in Egypt and we discussed climate change and other things related to it including projects. Projects need finance and when G20 comes they will be discussing the economic situation including the possibility of making finance available to developing countries. It seems to me a natural continuation and natural thing to invite Egypt as a guest country.

President El-Sisi's visit to India will be groundbreaking, says Egypt Ambassador Wael Hamed

Archaeologists discover stunning, rare mummy portraits in Egypt's Philadelphia

Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered a rock tunnel beneath the Taposiris Magna Temple, in the ancient city of Taposiris Magna, west of Alexandria. The tunnel is carved into the rock at a depth of about 13 metres below the ground, where several artefacts including coins, beheaded statues, as well as statues of deities were found.&nbsp;

The Egyptian Dominican archaeological mission of the University of San Domingo headed by Dr Kathleen Martinez described the discovered tunnel as a “geometric miracle”. In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said that the tunnel is 1,305 metres long, and about 2 metres high.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egyptian-mummies-with-golden-tongues-discovered-near-alexandria-361326">Egyptian mummies with golden tongues discovered near Alexandria</a>

Dr Martinez also compared the architectural design of this tunnel to Greece’s Jubilinos Tunnel but this one is longer, she said. However, the archaeology of the Taposiris Magna temple is complex given that parts of it are submerged under the Mediterranean water and it has been hit by numerous earthquakes over the years.&nbsp;

During an interview, Martinez said that she is convinced that the tunnel could lead them to the tomb of the Egyptian queen Cleopatra and her lover Mark Antony, while she conceded that the chances of that happening are one per cent it would still be “the most important discovery” of this century.&nbsp;

Cleopatra and Mark Antony had died after losing a battle in Greece to Octavian, Caesar's heir who at the time was fighting to gain control of the Roman empire. Some believe that the two killed themselves but their tombs were never found.&nbsp;

Also read :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/archaeologists-discover-ruins-of-ancient-mayan-city-in-mexico-482931">Archaeologists discover ruins of ancient Mayan city in Mexico</a>

“Cleopatra negotiated with Octavian to allow her to bury Mark Antony in Egypt”, said Martinez, in an interview with National Geographic. She added that the Egyptian queen wanted this to reenact the legend of Isis and Osiris, “The true meaning of the cult of Osiris is that it grants immortality.”&nbsp;

So that after their deaths, “the gods would allow Cleopatra to live with Antony in another form of existence, so they would have eternal life together,” said Martinez. Notably, the temple was built in honour of the ancient Egyptian god of the underworld, Osiris and his wife Egyptian goddess Isis.&nbsp;

According to Live Science, the tunnel dates back to the Ptolemaic period, between 304 BC to 30 BC, when Egypt was ruled by kings descended from one of Alexander the Great's generals.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/drought-reveals-ruins-of-ancient-bridge-in-rome-493615">Drought reveals ruins of ancient bridge in Rome</a>

During the previous excavation seasons, the team also found several important artefacts including coins engraved with the images and names of both Cleopatra and Alexander the Great. Additionally, the team also found several beheaded statues as well as statues of the goddess Isis and a number of pottery vessels in the mud sediment in a section submerged underwater.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

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Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered a rock tunnel beneath the Taposiris Magna Temple, in the ancient city of Taposiris Magna, west of Alexandria. The tunnel is carved into the rock at a depth of about 13 metres below the ground, where several artefacts including coins, beheaded statues, as well as statues of deities were found.

Archaeologists in Egypt have discovered a rock tunnel beneath the Taposiris Magna Temple, in the ancient city of Taposiris Magna, west of Alexandria. The tunnel is carved into the rock at a depth of about 13 metres below the ground, where several artefacts including coins, beheaded statues, as well as statues of deities were found. The Egyptian Dominican archaeological mission of the University of San Domingo headed by Dr Kathleen Martinez described the discovered tunnel as a “geometric miracle”. In a statement, the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities said that the tunnel is 1,305 metres long, and about 2 metres high. Also read: Egyptian mummies with golden tongues discovered near Alexandria Dr Martinez also compared the architectural design of this tunnel to Greece’s Jubilinos Tunnel but this one is longer, she said. However, the archaeology of the Taposiris Magna temple is complex given that parts of it are submerged under the Mediterranean water and it has been hit by numerous earthquakes over the years. During an interview, Martinez said that she is convinced that the tunnel could lead them to the tomb of the Egyptian queen Cleopatra and her lover Mark Antony, while she conceded that the chances of that happening are one per cent it would still be “the most important discovery” of this century. Cleopatra and Mark Antony had died after losing a battle in Greece to Octavian, Caesar's heir who at the time was fighting to gain control of the Roman empire. Some believe that the two killed themselves but their tombs were never found. Also read : Archaeologists discover ruins of ancient Mayan city in Mexico “Cleopatra negotiated with Octavian to allow her to bury Mark Antony in Egypt”, said Martinez, in an interview with National Geographic. She added that the Egyptian queen wanted this to reenact the legend of Isis and Osiris, “The true meaning of the cult of Osiris is that it grants immortality.” So that after their deaths, “the gods would allow Cleopatra to live with Antony in another form of existence, so they would have eternal life together,” said Martinez. Notably, the temple was built in honour of the ancient Egyptian god of the underworld, Osiris and his wife Egyptian goddess Isis. According to Live Science, the tunnel dates back to the Ptolemaic period, between 304 BC to 30 BC, when Egypt was ruled by kings descended from one of Alexander the Great's generals. ALSO READ: Drought reveals ruins of ancient bridge in Rome During the previous excavation seasons, the team also found several important artefacts including coins engraved with the images and names of both Cleopatra and Alexander the Great. Additionally, the team also found several beheaded statues as well as statues of the goddess Isis and a number of pottery vessels in the mud sediment in a section submerged underwater. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Archaeologists discover tunnel underneath Egyptian temple, may lead to Cleopatra's tomb

Egypt, the host nation which holds the presidency of the COP27 summit, is reportedly struggling to find common ground between the member countries over the goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius.

According to a BBC report, ministers have been having intense negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh over the weekend to come out with a strong action plan on achieving the 1.5 degrees Celsius climate goal amid fears of softening the agreement on closing the emissions gap.

The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Simon Stiell, recently revealed that no progress has been made so far.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop27-summit-near-halftime-but-critical-issues-remain-unresolved-533610">COP27 summit near halftime but critical issues remain unresolved</a>

"My observations are that there are too many unresolved issues," Stiell said over the weekend.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/some-countries-resisted-mentioning-15degc-goal-in-cop27-text-us-climate-envoy-533576">Some countries resisted mentioning 1.5°C goal in COP27 text: US climate envoy</a>

"If we create a log jam in the process, we will not deliver an outcome that is deserving of the crisis."

Carbon Brief, a UK-based website specialising in the science and policy of climate change, has claimed that there are differences between the countries on the feasibility of the 1.5C threshold.

<h2>Watch |&nbsp;US: Only few countries mentioned the 1.5 degree global goal in COP27</h2>

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It is said that the unresolved differences could force Egypt to come out with a watered-down version of the commitment to the 1.5C figure, a deal that was seen as a major breakthrough in international climate ambition during the 2015 Paris Agreement.

In 2015, under the Paris Agreement, 196 countries committed to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius so that the planet can become climate neutral by 2050 – with net zero greenhouse gas emissions.

The said figure was agreed upon after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change came out with a damming report that 1.5 degrees of warming will see extreme heatwaves, oceans rising, and the destruction of 70 to 90 per cent of coral reefs.

The 1.5 degrees Celsius pledge is crucial to secure a liveable future on Earth, IPCC said.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Egypt, the host nation which holds the presidency of the COP27 summit, is reportedly struggling to find common ground between the member countries over the goal of limiting warming to 1.

Egypt, the host nation which holds the presidency of the COP27 summit, is reportedly struggling to find common ground between the member countries over the goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. According to a BBC report, ministers have been having intense negotiations in Sharm El-Sheikh over the weekend to come out with a strong action plan on achieving the 1.5 degrees Celsius climate goal amid fears of softening the agreement on closing the emissions gap. The Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Simon Stiell, recently revealed that no progress has been made so far. Also read | COP27 summit near halftime but critical issues remain unresolved "My observations are that there are too many unresolved issues," Stiell said over the weekend. Also read | Some countries resisted mentioning 1.5°C goal in COP27 text: US climate envoy "If we create a log jam in the process, we will not deliver an outcome that is deserving of the crisis." Carbon Brief, a UK-based website specialising in the science and policy of climate change, has claimed that there are differences between the countries on the feasibility of the 1.5C threshold. Watch | US: Only few countries mentioned the 1.5 degree global goal in COP27 It is said that the unresolved differences could force Egypt to come out with a watered-down version of the commitment to the 1.5C figure, a deal that was seen as a major breakthrough in international climate ambition during the 2015 Paris Agreement. In 2015, under the Paris Agreement, 196 countries committed to limit global warming to well below 2, preferably 1.5 degrees Celsius so that the planet can become climate neutral by 2050 – with net zero greenhouse gas emissions. The said figure was agreed upon after the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change came out with a damming report that 1.5 degrees of warming will see extreme heatwaves, oceans rising, and the destruction of 70 to 90 per cent of coral reefs. The 1.5 degrees Celsius pledge is crucial to secure a liveable future on Earth, IPCC said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

COP27: Countries might water down commitment to 1.5C temperature issue, says report

Amid the ongoing COP27 climate conference at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt, German federal police have warned its delegates that they may be getting spied on by the host country’s security agents, said a report by Reuters citing three people with knowledge on the matter.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Germany has lodged a complaint with the Egyptian government over constant unwanted monitoring by their security agents and accused them of monitoring and filming events at the country’s pavilion at the summit, said a report by the German press agency (DPA).&nbsp;

On the other hand, an email sent on November 12 by the German police warned its delegates of “overt and covert surveillance through photography and videography” by Egyptian security agents, said one of the people quoting the email to Reuters. Meanwhile, two officials have confirmed the issuance of the warning but did not elaborate on the specifics.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-chancellor-scholz-warns-against-worldwide-renaissance-of-fossil-fuels-532070">German Chancellor Scholz warns against 'worldwide renaissance of fossil fuels'</a>

The person quoting the email also said they were warned about their conversations being recorded and possible disruptions by the Egyptian state at events organised by Berlin. Furthermore, three German attendees from non-governmental organisations and industry say that they have also been warned by other attendees and delegations of possible surveillance at COP27.&nbsp;

Two NGO members, one from German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation, and another from Climate Action Network, claim that they have on multiple occasions in recent days witnessed being photographed and followed, said Reuters. This comes as Berlin has used their conference area for hosting events focused on human rights situations in Egypt.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, following these allegations Germany’s foreign ministry, in a statement had said, “We expect all participants in the UN&nbsp;climate conference to be able to work and negotiate under safe conditions…This is not just true for the German but for all delegations, as well as representatives of civil society and the media.” &nbsp;

ALSO WATCH:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/30-egyptians-protest-outside-cop27-summit-demand-protection-of-coral-reefs-533661">30 Egyptians protest outside COP27 Summit, demand protection of coral reefs</a>

Reportedly, the German pavilion at the summit saw the attendance of activists from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International along with prominent Egyptian activist and film editor, Sanaa Seif who has served several prison terms in the country. Seif is also the sister&nbsp;of a jailed&nbsp;Egyptian-British hunger striker and pro-democracy activist, Alaa Abd el-Fattah.&nbsp;

The Egyptian security sources while speaking to DPA rejected these allegations and said that personnel were present for the security of foreign seminars and activities for the UN team and their role as Egyptians was restricted to security outside the halls and in the city. However, several participants have alleged that the Egyptian staff had insisted on being a part of closed sessions as well.&nbsp;

“It is very obvious that the Egyptian authorities are monitoring human rights activities…The only reason they haven't used physical violence yet is that we're in a UN-controlled area,” said &nbsp;Hossam Bahgat, founder of the human rights organisation, Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), while speaking with DPA.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cop27-egyptian-hunger-striker-abdel-fattah-is-now-in-good-health-says-prosecutor-us-shows-concern-533072">COP27: Egyptian hunger striker Abdel Fattah is in 'good health,' says prosecutor, US shows concern&nbsp;</a>

Amid these allegations in a statement given to the Associated Press, on Sunday, the United Nations climate office confirmed that some of the security officials at the venue are from the host country due to the "scale and complexity of providing security at a large scale event". However, they work under the&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Department for Safety and Security (UN DSS) to assist in "fortifying the venue and ensuring the safety and security of all participants.”&nbsp; 
 
It added, "UN DSS has been made aware of allegations of the Code of Conduct violations and is investigating these reports.” According to the German media report, Egyptian officials arriving in the German area had taken photos, and videos, and even disrupted proceedings on at least two occasions. This comes days after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, had also raised the issue of jailed hunger striker Alaa Abd el-Fattah during his visit to the climate summit.&nbsp;

The prominent activist and blogger has been sentenced to five years in prison on charges of spreading false news and has been on hunger strike for over 200 days against his detention and the conditions of the prison. “A decision needs to be taken, a release has to be made possible, so that it doesn't come to it that the hunger striker dies,” said Scholz during a press conference in Egypt.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Amid the ongoing COP27 climate conference at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt, German federal police have warned its delegates that they may be getting spied on by the host country’s security agents, said a report by Reuters citing three people with knowledge on the matter.

Amid the ongoing COP27 climate conference at the Red Sea resort of Sharm el Sheikh in Egypt, German federal police have warned its delegates that they may be getting spied on by the host country’s security agents, said a report by Reuters citing three people with knowledge on the matter. Meanwhile, Germany has lodged a complaint with the Egyptian government over constant unwanted monitoring by their security agents and accused them of monitoring and filming events at the country’s pavilion at the summit, said a report by the German press agency (DPA). On the other hand, an email sent on November 12 by the German police warned its delegates of “overt and covert surveillance through photography and videography” by Egyptian security agents, said one of the people quoting the email to Reuters. Meanwhile, two officials have confirmed the issuance of the warning but did not elaborate on the specifics. ALSO READ: German Chancellor Scholz warns against 'worldwide renaissance of fossil fuels' The person quoting the email also said they were warned about their conversations being recorded and possible disruptions by the Egyptian state at events organised by Berlin. Furthermore, three German attendees from non-governmental organisations and industry say that they have also been warned by other attendees and delegations of possible surveillance at COP27. Two NGO members, one from German Federation for the Environment and Nature Conservation, and another from Climate Action Network, claim that they have on multiple occasions in recent days witnessed being photographed and followed, said Reuters. This comes as Berlin has used their conference area for hosting events focused on human rights situations in Egypt. Meanwhile, following these allegations Germany’s foreign ministry, in a statement had said, “We expect all participants in the UN climate conference to be able to work and negotiate under safe conditions…This is not just true for the German but for all delegations, as well as representatives of civil society and the media.” ALSO WATCH: 30 Egyptians protest outside COP27 Summit, demand protection of coral reefs Reportedly, the German pavilion at the summit saw the attendance of activists from Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International along with prominent Egyptian activist and film editor, Sanaa Seif who has served several prison terms in the country. Seif is also the sister of a jailed Egyptian-British hunger striker and pro-democracy activist, Alaa Abd el-Fattah. The Egyptian security sources while speaking to DPA rejected these allegations and said that personnel were present for the security of foreign seminars and activities for the UN team and their role as Egyptians was restricted to security outside the halls and in the city. However, several participants have alleged that the Egyptian staff had insisted on being a part of closed sessions as well. “It is very obvious that the Egyptian authorities are monitoring human rights activities…The only reason they haven't used physical violence yet is that we're in a UN-controlled area,” said Hossam Bahgat, founder of the human rights organisation, Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights (EIPR), while speaking with DPA. ALSO READ: COP27: Egyptian hunger striker Abdel Fattah is in 'good health,' says prosecutor, US shows concern Amid these allegations in a statement given to the Associated Press, on Sunday, the United Nations climate office confirmed that some of the security officials at the venue are from the host country due to the "scale and complexity of providing security at a large scale event". However, they work under the UN Department for Safety and Security (UN DSS) to assist in "fortifying the venue and ensuring the safety and security of all participants.” It added, "UN DSS has been made aware of allegations of the Code of Conduct violations and is investigating these reports.” According to the German media report, Egyptian officials arriving in the German area had taken photos, and videos, and even disrupted proceedings on at least two occasions. This comes days after German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, had also raised the issue of jailed hunger striker Alaa Abd el-Fattah during his visit to the climate summit. The prominent activist and blogger has been sentenced to five years in prison on charges of spreading false news and has been on hunger strike for over 200 days against his detention and the conditions of the prison. “A decision needs to be taken, a release has to be made possible, so that it doesn't come to it that the hunger striker dies,” said Scholz during a press conference in Egypt. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Germany warns its delegates against Egyptian agents spying on them at COP27: Reports

According to the&nbsp;United States special climate envoy John Kerry, several nations have objected to the mention of a worldwide goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius in the text of the COP27 summit in Egypt.&nbsp;When asked about opposition by some governments to mentioning the 1.5C target, Kerry said, “You’re absolutely correct. There are very few countries, but a few, that have raised the issue of not mentioning this word or that word.”&nbsp;

"But the fact is, that in Glasgow that was adopted, the language is there. And I know... Egypt doesn't intend to be the country that hosts a retreat from what was achieved in Glasgow," he added, referring to last year's COP summit in Scotland.

The Paris Agreement, which was signed in 2015 at a United Nations&nbsp;summit in France, was hailed as a major step forward in the global effort to combat climate change. It committed countries from across the world to attempt to keep the average global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees centigrade.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-are-using-cantonese-to-criticise-zero-covid-amid-heavy-censorship-533560">Chinese are using Cantonese to criticise zero-Covid amid heavy censorship</a>

Since then, however, greenhouse gas emissions have increased, and scientists warn that if immediate and significant reductions are not made, the world may miss the target. Breaking the 1.5 degrees centigrade&nbsp;barrier puts the world at risk of experiencing the worst effects of global warming. 
 
On Thursday, Kerry told CNN that the world cannot avoid the damaging impact of climate crisis without private money since governments are not willing to pay. He then went on to defend&nbsp;his plan of raising cash for climate action by selling carbon emission offsets to companies, while reiterating, “There is not enough money in any country in the world to actually solve this problem.”

(with inputs from agencies)

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According to the United States special climate envoy John Kerry, several nations have objected to the mention of a worldwide goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius in the text of the COP27 summit in Egypt.

According to the United States special climate envoy John Kerry, several nations have objected to the mention of a worldwide goal of limiting warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius in the text of the COP27 summit in Egypt. When asked about opposition by some governments to mentioning the 1.5C target, Kerry said, “You’re absolutely correct. There are very few countries, but a few, that have raised the issue of not mentioning this word or that word.” "But the fact is, that in Glasgow that was adopted, the language is there. And I know... Egypt doesn't intend to be the country that hosts a retreat from what was achieved in Glasgow," he added, referring to last year's COP summit in Scotland. The Paris Agreement, which was signed in 2015 at a United Nations summit in France, was hailed as a major step forward in the global effort to combat climate change. It committed countries from across the world to attempt to keep the average global temperature increase to 1.5 degrees centigrade. Also Read: Chinese are using Cantonese to criticise zero-Covid amid heavy censorship Since then, however, greenhouse gas emissions have increased, and scientists warn that if immediate and significant reductions are not made, the world may miss the target. Breaking the 1.5 degrees centigrade barrier puts the world at risk of experiencing the worst effects of global warming. On Thursday, Kerry told CNN that the world cannot avoid the damaging impact of climate crisis without private money since governments are not willing to pay. He then went on to defend his plan of raising cash for climate action by selling carbon emission offsets to companies, while reiterating, “There is not enough money in any country in the world to actually solve this problem.” (with inputs from agencies)

Some countries resisted mentioning 1.5°C goal in COP27 text: US climate envoy

A Palestinian farmer and his son over the course of three months excavated an ornate&nbsp;Byzantine-era mosaic. The discovery of the mosaic&nbsp;has reportedly sent a wave of excitement among archaeologists as it is one of the greatest archaeological treasures ever found in Gaza. &nbsp;

It was last spring when a Palestinian farmer in the midst of planting a new olive tree hit a hard object with his shovel, after which he called his son; together they slowly&nbsp;excavated the mosaic. However, the owner of the land has reportedly chosen to remain anonymous, before any official announcement, he has also covered the unearthed mosaic with tin sheets and hopes to receive some compensation for the protection of the discovery on his property.

Due to this discovery, many have also called for better protection of the antiquities in Gaza, voicing their concerns regarding the fragile collection of sites which is under threat because of lack of awareness and resources, as well as the constant threat of a conflict between Israel and local Palestinian militants. The Hamas-run department of antiquities has called it “a big archaeological discovery”, but is yet to release an official statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/air-strikes-between-israel-and-gaza-militants-continue-for-second-day-claiming-6-lives-504434">Air raid sirens ring out in Jerusalem; Israel, Gaza militants continue strikes</a>

In an interview, René Elter, an archaeologist from the French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem, said, “These are the most beautiful mosaic floors discovered in Gaza, both in terms of the quality of the graphic representation and the complexity of the geometry.” &nbsp;He added, “Never have mosaic floors of this finesse, this precision in the graphics and richness of the colors been discovered in the Gaza Strip.”&nbsp;

According to Elter, the ornate mosaic&nbsp;dates back to somewhere between the 5th and 7th centuries, however, his estimation is based on a series of photos and videos taken by local research partners and while he has conducted research on the Gaza Strip before, he has not personally visited the site. He has also expressed concern that such a discovery undertaken by inexperienced people could damage the site.&nbsp;

Historically, the Gaza Strip, a coastal enclave situated between Israel and Egypt was a trade route which witnessed several ancient civilizations from the Bronze Age to the Islamic and Ottoman eras. Reports suggest that these treasures left behind by these civilizations are rarely protected and have been subjected to looting, damage, and even have been destroyed by development projects or regional conflict.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-whats-causing-the-recent-conflict-between-israel-and-gaza-504692">Explained: What's causing the recent conflict between Israel and Gaza?</a>

According to the people with knowledge of the matter, the mosaic is spread over about 23 square meters and the three dug-out spots on the 500 square meters patch of land, reveal parts of the&nbsp;mosaic. While the largest holes dug up are about 2 meters by 3 meters and marked with at least 17 drawings of animals, the other two show tiles that have intricate patterns on them.

The mosaic was unearthed just a kilometer from the Israeli border, the floor consists of 17 iconographies of beasts and birds which were surprisingly well-preserved and their colours remain bright. However, Elter has expressed concern about the discovery due to its close approximation to the Israeli separation fence saying that it is in “immediate danger”. He added, “It is imperative to quickly organize an emergency rescue intervention.”&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A Palestinian farmer and his son over the course of three months excavated an ornate Byzantine-era mosaic. The discovery of the mosaic has reportedly sent a wave of excitement among archaeologists as it is one of the greatest archaeological treasures ever found in Gaza.

A Palestinian farmer and his son over the course of three months excavated an ornate Byzantine-era mosaic. The discovery of the mosaic has reportedly sent a wave of excitement among archaeologists as it is one of the greatest archaeological treasures ever found in Gaza. It was last spring when a Palestinian farmer in the midst of planting a new olive tree hit a hard object with his shovel, after which he called his son; together they slowly excavated the mosaic. However, the owner of the land has reportedly chosen to remain anonymous, before any official announcement, he has also covered the unearthed mosaic with tin sheets and hopes to receive some compensation for the protection of the discovery on his property. Due to this discovery, many have also called for better protection of the antiquities in Gaza, voicing their concerns regarding the fragile collection of sites which is under threat because of lack of awareness and resources, as well as the constant threat of a conflict between Israel and local Palestinian militants. The Hamas-run department of antiquities has called it “a big archaeological discovery”, but is yet to release an official statement. ALSO READ: Air raid sirens ring out in Jerusalem; Israel, Gaza militants continue strikes In an interview, René Elter, an archaeologist from the French Biblical and Archaeological School of Jerusalem, said, “These are the most beautiful mosaic floors discovered in Gaza, both in terms of the quality of the graphic representation and the complexity of the geometry.” He added, “Never have mosaic floors of this finesse, this precision in the graphics and richness of the colors been discovered in the Gaza Strip.” According to Elter, the ornate mosaic dates back to somewhere between the 5th and 7th centuries, however, his estimation is based on a series of photos and videos taken by local research partners and while he has conducted research on the Gaza Strip before, he has not personally visited the site. He has also expressed concern that such a discovery undertaken by inexperienced people could damage the site. Historically, the Gaza Strip, a coastal enclave situated between Israel and Egypt was a trade route which witnessed several ancient civilizations from the Bronze Age to the Islamic and Ottoman eras. Reports suggest that these treasures left behind by these civilizations are rarely protected and have been subjected to looting, damage, and even have been destroyed by development projects or regional conflict. ALSO READ: Explained: What's causing the recent conflict between Israel and Gaza? According to the people with knowledge of the matter, the mosaic is spread over about 23 square meters and the three dug-out spots on the 500 square meters patch of land, reveal parts of the mosaic. While the largest holes dug up are about 2 meters by 3 meters and marked with at least 17 drawings of animals, the other two show tiles that have intricate patterns on them. The mosaic was unearthed just a kilometer from the Israeli border, the floor consists of 17 iconographies of beasts and birds which were surprisingly well-preserved and their colours remain bright. However, Elter has expressed concern about the discovery due to its close approximation to the Israeli separation fence saying that it is in “immediate danger”. He added, “It is imperative to quickly organize an emergency rescue intervention.” (With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian farmer unearths a Byzantine-era mosaic in Gaza  while planting olive tree

After three days of incessant violence between Israel and Palestine, a ceasefire was announced on Sunday. However, it has now been revealed that Palestine was responsible for the killing of nearly one-third of the victims on the Palestinian side as malfunctioning rockets collapsed near high-density civilian structures.

After three days of incessant violence between Israel and Palestine, a ceasefire was announced on Sunday. However, it has now been revealed that Palestine was responsible for the killing of nearly one-third of the victims on the Palestinian side as malfunctioning rockets collapsed near high-density civilian structures. According to the Israeli military, a total of over 47 Palestinians including militants from Islamic Jihad and Hamas were killed during the operation. However, 14 were killed by the Palestinian side's own fault. Live TV footage and the Israel military's assessment, backed by Associated Press showed that militant rockets fell into the residential neighbourhoods, causing two separate explosions and killing more than a dozen locals. While the Palestinian rockets backfired, the Israeli military launched attacks on some 170 targets connected to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, including top leaders and members of the terrorist organisation. prominent Islamic Jihad leaders Taysir al-Jabari and Khaled Mansour were few of the top militants killed by the Israeli attacks, as confirmed by the militant outfit. As reported by WION, the airstrikes were conducted throughout the Gaza Strip as part of Israel's operation Breaking Dawn against the Palestinian Islamic Jihad. According to the IDF, it launched attacks on some 170 targets connected to the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, including top leaders and members of the terrorist organisation. Read More: 51, including 27 civilians killed in Gaza during the latest air strikes: Israel Defense Forces It was only after Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi intervened and brokered that a ceasefire agreement was reached between the two sides, albeit for a short time. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, in the aftermath of the ceasefire gave a televised address saying the bombardment had "landed a devastating blow to the enemy", and that the "entire senior military command of Islamic Jihad in Gaza was successfully targeted." Read More: Palestinian Islamic Jihad confirms agreement with Israel on Gaza ceasefire (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Malfunctioning rockets fired by Palestine fell into residential areas, killing more than a dozen

In an effort to reduce the number of killings, an Egyptian court requested on Sunday that the law be changed to let the execution of a female student's killer to be aired live. Mohamed Adel was found guilty last month of the "premeditated murder" of Nayera Ashraf, a fellow university student who had turned down his approaches, following a highly publicised two-day trial in which he had admitted to the crime. The Mansoura criminal court, 130 kilometres (80 miles) north of Cairo, which sentenced Adel, requested that the legislature change the statute governing capital punishment so that the execution might be aired live.

The court argued in a letter to parliament that "the broadcast, even if only part of the start of proceedings, could achieve the goal of deterrence, which was not achieved by broadcasting the sentencing itself." In June, when a video purportedly showing Ashraf being stabbed in front of her university in Mansoura went viral, Egyptians posted their horrified reactions online. Egypt, which according to Amnesty International had the third-highest number of executions worldwide in 2021, imposes the death sentence as the ultimate punishment for murder. But executions are rarely performed in public or broadcast. The execution of three men who had murdered a woman and her two children in their Cairo home in 1998 was televised on state television, a rare exception.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missiles-destroyed-ukrainian-military-infrastructure-in-odessa-claims-russia-500218">Missiles only destroyed Ukrainian military infrastructure in Odessa, claims Russia</a>

In recent months, high-profile femicides in Egypt have incited a great deal of rage. The death of television host Shaimaa Gamal in June caused uproar in the nation of North Africa. An adolescent was given a five-year prison term in March for the suicide of a schoolgirl after pictures of her were posted online. In Egypt, patriarchal laws and strict interpretations of Islam have made it difficult for women to exercise their rights. According to a United Nations survey done in 2015, nearly eight million Egyptian women were victims of abuse committed by their partners, family, or strangers in public places.

(with inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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In an effort to reduce the number of killings, an Egyptian court requested on Sunday that the law be changed to let the execution of a female student's killer to be aired live.

In an effort to reduce the number of killings, an Egyptian court requested on Sunday that the law be changed to let the execution of a female student's killer to be aired live. Mohamed Adel was found guilty last month of the "premeditated murder" of Nayera Ashraf, a fellow university student who had turned down his approaches, following a highly publicised two-day trial in which he had admitted to the crime. The Mansoura criminal court, 130 kilometres (80 miles) north of Cairo, which sentenced Adel, requested that the legislature change the statute governing capital punishment so that the execution might be aired live. The court argued in a letter to parliament that "the broadcast, even if only part of the start of proceedings, could achieve the goal of deterrence, which was not achieved by broadcasting the sentencing itself." In June, when a video purportedly showing Ashraf being stabbed in front of her university in Mansoura went viral, Egyptians posted their horrified reactions online. Egypt, which according to Amnesty International had the third-highest number of executions worldwide in 2021, imposes the death sentence as the ultimate punishment for murder. But executions are rarely performed in public or broadcast. The execution of three men who had murdered a woman and her two children in their Cairo home in 1998 was televised on state television, a rare exception. Also Read: Missiles only destroyed Ukrainian military infrastructure in Odessa, claims Russia In recent months, high-profile femicides in Egypt have incited a great deal of rage. The death of television host Shaimaa Gamal in June caused uproar in the nation of North Africa. An adolescent was given a five-year prison term in March for the suicide of a schoolgirl after pictures of her were posted online. In Egypt, patriarchal laws and strict interpretations of Islam have made it difficult for women to exercise their rights. According to a United Nations survey done in 2015, nearly eight million Egyptian women were victims of abuse committed by their partners, family, or strangers in public places. (with inputs from agencies)

Egyptian court demands that femicide executions be televised live

How did Arab Spring pan out for the affected countries?

In a bid to replace their ageing fleets, Malaysia and Egypt are looking to buy India's Tejas fighter jets.

The jets, which are used for the advance level of pilot training programme, are&nbsp;getting a lot of inquiries after it was revealed that they cost less than $40 million per unit.

India is transforming from a buyer to a seller in the global weapons industry, which is worth more than $1.8 trillion.

In the last five years, India was the largest arms importer in the world with the country buying 11 per cent of the global share. But since 2017, India'a&nbsp;purchase of arms and ammunition has fallen by 21 per cent.

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India is now moving towards local production with three countries including Egypt, Malaysia and Singapore showing keen interest in procuring its weapons.

Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, several Western countries have imposed crippling sanctions against Moscow.

Experts believe this is a good opportunity for India to capitalise on the arms race and capture the growing and profitable market.

Since 2015, India's weapons export has increased six times with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) receiving numerous orders for Tejas jets which is a single-engine supersonic jet.

India offered to set up a maintenance facility in Malaysia so that it chooses Tejas over China's JF-17, South Korea's FA-15, and Russia's MiG-35.

Egypt, which is looking for light combat jets, is looking to replace its Dassault/Dornier Alpha jet that it procured in the 1980s.

India has offered to set up factories in Egypt and produce the Tejas jets in the country as a result of which it will get foreign investments and jobs as well.

The strategic move will help India supply its weapons in Northern Africa and West Asia, where several regional conflicts are taking place.

Currently, the arms bazaar is a buyer's market with countries looking to spend millions of dollars for weapons.

With so many available options, countries that are manufacturing weapons are offering incentives to those looking to purchase them.

&nbsp;

In a bid to replace their ageing fleets, Malaysia and Egypt are looking to buy India's Tejas fighter jets. The jets, which are used for the advance level of pilot training programme, are getting a lot of inquiries after it was revealed that they cost less than $40 million per unit.

In a bid to replace their ageing fleets, Malaysia and Egypt are looking to buy India's Tejas fighter jets. The jets, which are used for the advance level of pilot training programme, are getting a lot of inquiries after it was revealed that they cost less than $40 million per unit. India is transforming from a buyer to a seller in the global weapons industry, which is worth more than $1.8 trillion. In the last five years, India was the largest arms importer in the world with the country buying 11 per cent of the global share. But since 2017, India'a purchase of arms and ammunition has fallen by 21 per cent. × India is now moving towards local production with three countries including Egypt, Malaysia and Singapore showing keen interest in procuring its weapons. Following Russia's invasion of Ukraine, several Western countries have imposed crippling sanctions against Moscow. Experts believe this is a good opportunity for India to capitalise on the arms race and capture the growing and profitable market. Since 2015, India's weapons export has increased six times with Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) receiving numerous orders for Tejas jets which is a single-engine supersonic jet. India offered to set up a maintenance facility in Malaysia so that it chooses Tejas over China's JF-17, South Korea's FA-15, and Russia's MiG-35. Egypt, which is looking for light combat jets, is looking to replace its Dassault/Dornier Alpha jet that it procured in the 1980s. India has offered to set up factories in Egypt and produce the Tejas jets in the country as a result of which it will get foreign investments and jobs as well. The strategic move will help India supply its weapons in Northern Africa and West Asia, where several regional conflicts are taking place. Currently, the arms bazaar is a buyer's market with countries looking to spend millions of dollars for weapons. With so many available options, countries that are manufacturing weapons are offering incentives to those looking to purchase them.

Egypt, Malaysia looking to replace their ageing fleets with India's Tejas fighter jets

Egyptian Ministry of Environment said on Sunday (July 3) that two women were killed in shark attacks in Egypt's Red Sea, south of city of Hurghada. Reuters, citing two sources, said that the body of a Romanian tourist in her late forties was discovered hours after an attack that left a 68-year-old Austrian woman dead.

Both attacks happened within 600 metres of each other, off the coast of Sahl Hasheesh, according to the sources.

The ministry said in its statement that a committee had been formed to examine the circumstances of the attacks and any scientific reasons behind them.

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It also mentioned that the Governor of the Red Sea Governorate, Major General Amr Hanafi, has issued an order to suspend all activity in the area surrounding the attacks.

The first victim was transferred to a local private hospital, a source at the Red Sea Health Affairs Directorate told Reuters. He added that there were attempts to resuscitate her, but she died from her injuries.

A security source also added that the Austrian woman had been living in Egypt over the past five years with her Egyptian husband.

Austria's foreign ministry confirmed to AFP Sunday "the death of an Austrian citizen in Egypt", without providing further details.

Citing information received from Egyptian authorities, Romania's foreign ministry confirmed to AFP on Sunday "the death of a Romanian citizen" which "appeared" to have been caused by a "shark attack" off Hurghada.

(With inputs from agencies)

Egyptian Ministry of Environment said on Sunday (July 3) that two women were killed in shark attacks in Egypt's Red Sea, south of city of Hurghada. Reuters, citing two sources, said that the body of a Romanian tourist in her late forties was discovered hours after an attack that left a 68-year-old Austrian woman dead.

Egyptian Ministry of Environment said on Sunday (July 3) that two women were killed in shark attacks in Egypt's Red Sea, south of city of Hurghada. Reuters, citing two sources, said that the body of a Romanian tourist in her late forties was discovered hours after an attack that left a 68-year-old Austrian woman dead. Both attacks happened within 600 metres of each other, off the coast of Sahl Hasheesh, according to the sources. The ministry said in its statement that a committee had been formed to examine the circumstances of the attacks and any scientific reasons behind them. × It also mentioned that the Governor of the Red Sea Governorate, Major General Amr Hanafi, has issued an order to suspend all activity in the area surrounding the attacks. The first victim was transferred to a local private hospital, a source at the Red Sea Health Affairs Directorate told Reuters. He added that there were attempts to resuscitate her, but she died from her injuries. A security source also added that the Austrian woman had been living in Egypt over the past five years with her Egyptian husband. Austria's foreign ministry confirmed to AFP Sunday "the death of an Austrian citizen in Egypt", without providing further details. Citing information received from Egyptian authorities, Romania's foreign ministry confirmed to AFP on Sunday "the death of a Romanian citizen" which "appeared" to have been caused by a "shark attack" off Hurghada. (With inputs from agencies)

Second woman killed in shark attack in Egypt's Red Sea

Owners distraught as Egypt replaces historic Nile houseboats with concrete walkway, shops and cafes

In order to replace Russian energy imports, Israel and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday with an aim to boost natural gas exports to Europe as supply chain disruptions due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war are causing shortages.

The framework deal signed with the European Union (EU) will be the first to allow "significant" exports of Israeli gas to Europe, Israel's energy ministry said. Under the agreement, the EU will encourage European companies to participate in Israeli and Egyptian exploration tenders.

European Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen says, “And indeed, we’re experiencing a war on European soil and therefore we are now in the process of completely diversifying our energy supplies away from Russian fossil fuels to other trustworthy suppliers, and you are these trustworthy suppliers.”

Some Israeli gas is already sent by pipeline to liquefaction plants on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, from where it is re-exported as liquefied natural gas (LNG). Officials say they expect shipments of LNG from Egypt to Europe to increase under the agreement, though they have said it would likely take a couple of years before the exports can be significantly expanded.

Also Read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-ukraine-bids-farewell-to-its-war-heroes-488400">&nbsp;In pics: Ukraine bids farewell to its war heroes</a>

Ursula says, “And I see it as a first step leading to a Mediterranean-wide agreement because I see that the energy supplies from traditional are from the most Northern part now are shifting towards the global south because you have an abundance of natural resources. You have the sun, you have the wind, you have partially the hydropower, so these are the pre-audition resources that will feed the global clean energy of the future.” 
Egypt is also a gas producer, but its exports have been limited by rising domestic demand.

The agreement recognizes that natural gas will have a central role in the EU's energy market until 2030. Following that, the use of natural gas is expected to decline in line with its commitment to becoming a zero-emission economy by 2050.

(with inputs from agencies)

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In order to replace Russian energy imports, Israel and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday with an aim to boost natural gas exports to Europe as supply chain disruptions due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war are causing shortages.

In order to replace Russian energy imports, Israel and Egypt signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on Wednesday with an aim to boost natural gas exports to Europe as supply chain disruptions due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war are causing shortages. The framework deal signed with the European Union (EU) will be the first to allow "significant" exports of Israeli gas to Europe, Israel's energy ministry said. Under the agreement, the EU will encourage European companies to participate in Israeli and Egyptian exploration tenders. European Commission President, Ursula Von Der Leyen says, “And indeed, we’re experiencing a war on European soil and therefore we are now in the process of completely diversifying our energy supplies away from Russian fossil fuels to other trustworthy suppliers, and you are these trustworthy suppliers.” Some Israeli gas is already sent by pipeline to liquefaction plants on Egypt's Mediterranean coast, from where it is re-exported as liquefied natural gas (LNG). Officials say they expect shipments of LNG from Egypt to Europe to increase under the agreement, though they have said it would likely take a couple of years before the exports can be significantly expanded. Also Read: In pics: Ukraine bids farewell to its war heroes Ursula says, “And I see it as a first step leading to a Mediterranean-wide agreement because I see that the energy supplies from traditional are from the most Northern part now are shifting towards the global south because you have an abundance of natural resources. You have the sun, you have the wind, you have partially the hydropower, so these are the pre-audition resources that will feed the global clean energy of the future.” Egypt is also a gas producer, but its exports have been limited by rising domestic demand. The agreement recognizes that natural gas will have a central role in the EU's energy market until 2030. Following that, the use of natural gas is expected to decline in line with its commitment to becoming a zero-emission economy by 2050. (with inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel and Egypt sign MoU with EU to boost gas exports to Europe

Egyptian army has said that 11 soldiers had been killed while tackling "terrorist attack" abutting Sinai peninsula. Army says that this is a hotbed of jihadist activity.&nbsp;

It was the heaviest loss of life the army had suffered in years in its long-running campaign in and around the Sinai against militants loyal to the Islamic State group.

The army said that five soldiers had also been wounded in a firefight that took place on the eastern bank of the canal. It added that security forces were "continuing to chase the terrorists and surround them in an isolated area of the Sinai".

"These terrorist operations will not defeat the determination of the country and the army to continue uprooting terrorism," President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pledged on Facebook.

The US has condemned the "terrorist attack in the Sinai targeting members of the Egyptian military"

"For decades, the United States has been and remains Egypt's strong partner in confronting terrorism in the region," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement.

Egypt's Sinai Peninsula has been gripped by an armed insurgency for more than a decade, which peaked after the ouster of late Islamist president Mohammed Morsi in 2013.&nbsp;

(With inputs from&nbsp; agencies)

Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION.

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Egyptian army has said that 11 soldiers had been killed while tackling "terrorist attack" abutting Sinai peninsula. Army says that this is a hotbed of jihadist activity.

Egyptian army has said that 11 soldiers had been killed while tackling "terrorist attack" abutting Sinai peninsula. Army says that this is a hotbed of jihadist activity. It was the heaviest loss of life the army had suffered in years in its long-running campaign in and around the Sinai against militants loyal to the Islamic State group. The army said that five soldiers had also been wounded in a firefight that took place on the eastern bank of the canal. It added that security forces were "continuing to chase the terrorists and surround them in an isolated area of the Sinai". "These terrorist operations will not defeat the determination of the country and the army to continue uprooting terrorism," President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pledged on Facebook. The US has condemned the "terrorist attack in the Sinai targeting members of the Egyptian military" "For decades, the United States has been and remains Egypt's strong partner in confronting terrorism in the region," State Department spokesman Ned Price said in a statement. Egypt's Sinai Peninsula has been gripped by an armed insurgency for more than a decade, which peaked after the ouster of late Islamist president Mohammed Morsi in 2013. (With inputs from agencies) Decode the geostrategy, diplomacy, and ideologies of the world’s unending wars. Catch our special series ‘World at War’ every Saturday at 8:30 PM IST and Sunday at 10:30 PM IST only on WION. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Eleven Egyptian troops killed in 'terrorist attack', says army

History fascinates us; the discovery of a bygone civilisation fills us with awe, making us wonder what those people were like and how society was back then. Even while we know a lot, we still don't know nearly enough, which is why archaeology and its findings are so crucial.

In the latest, Egyptian researchers have discovered the ruins of a temple dedicated to the ancient Greek god Zeus in the Sinai Peninsula.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/2-years-after-the-devastating-notre-dame-fire-preventative-archaeological-dig-uncovers-cultural-treasures-471134">Two years after devastating Notre Dame fire, 'preventative' archaeological dig uncovers cultural treasures</a>

For Egypt's&nbsp;tourism business, which has been hit hard by the political upheaval that followed the overthrow of longstanding ruler Hosni Mubarak in 2011, this can very well be a good way to attract tourists.

Coronavirus pandemic and, most recently, Russia's invasion of Ukraine have also proven to be&nbsp;severe blows to the sector.

The temple ruins are the most recent in a long line of ancient finds that Egypt has trumpeted in recent years in the hopes of luring more tourists.

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(Image courtesy: Egypt&nbsp;Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities/Twitter)

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: 3500-yr-old Mummy 'digitally unwrapped' by Egyptian Scientists

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According to the Tourism and Antiquities Ministry, the temple ruins were discovered in the Tell el-Farma archaeological site in northwestern.

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(Image courtesy: Egypt&nbsp;Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities/Twitter)

Tell el-Farma, also known as Pelusium in ancient times, dates from the late Pharaonic period and was also utilised during the Greco-Roman and Byzantine periods.&nbsp;Also among the discoveries were additional relics from the early Christian and Islamic periods.

According to Hisham Hussein, head of Sinai archaeological sites, inscriptions discovered in the area reveal that the temple was rebuilt by Roman Emperor Hadrian (117-138).

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/archeologists-discover-most-important-piece-of-prehistoric-art-in-100-years-453044">Archeologists discover 'most important' piece of prehistoric art in 100 years</a>

Excavations in the area began in the early 1900s when French Egyptologist Jean Clédat discovered ancient Greek inscriptions indicating the existence of the Zeus-Kasios temple, but he did not unearth anything, according to the ministry.

Zeus-Kasios is a combination of Zeus, the God of the Sky in Greek mythology, and Mount Kasios in Syria, where Zeus was&nbsp;previously worshipped.

(With inputs from agencies)

History fascinates us; the discovery of a bygone civilisation fills us with awe, making us wonder what those people were like and how society was back then. Even while we know a lot, we still don't know nearly enough, which is why archaeology and its findings are so crucial.

History fascinates us; the discovery of a bygone civilisation fills us with awe, making us wonder what those people were like and how society was back then. Even while we know a lot, we still don't know nearly enough, which is why archaeology and its findings are so crucial. In the latest, Egyptian researchers have discovered the ruins of a temple dedicated to the ancient Greek god Zeus in the Sinai Peninsula. Also read | Two years after devastating Notre Dame fire, 'preventative' archaeological dig uncovers cultural treasures For Egypt's tourism business, which has been hit hard by the political upheaval that followed the overthrow of longstanding ruler Hosni Mubarak in 2011, this can very well be a good way to attract tourists. Coronavirus pandemic and, most recently, Russia's invasion of Ukraine have also proven to be severe blows to the sector. The temple ruins are the most recent in a long line of ancient finds that Egypt has trumpeted in recent years in the hopes of luring more tourists. (Image courtesy: Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities/Twitter) Watch | Gravitas: 3500-yr-old Mummy 'digitally unwrapped' by Egyptian Scientists According to the Tourism and Antiquities Ministry, the temple ruins were discovered in the Tell el-Farma archaeological site in northwestern. (Image courtesy: Egypt Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities/Twitter) Tell el-Farma, also known as Pelusium in ancient times, dates from the late Pharaonic period and was also utilised during the Greco-Roman and Byzantine periods. Also among the discoveries were additional relics from the early Christian and Islamic periods. According to Hisham Hussein, head of Sinai archaeological sites, inscriptions discovered in the area reveal that the temple was rebuilt by Roman Emperor Hadrian (117-138). Also read | Archeologists discover 'most important' piece of prehistoric art in 100 years Excavations in the area began in the early 1900s when French Egyptologist Jean Clédat discovered ancient Greek inscriptions indicating the existence of the Zeus-Kasios temple, but he did not unearth anything, according to the ministry. Zeus-Kasios is a combination of Zeus, the God of the Sky in Greek mythology, and Mount Kasios in Syria, where Zeus was previously worshipped. (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt announces the discovery of Zeus temple in Sinai, check out some fascinating pics of the dig

Days after Egypt announced the decision to allow the import of Indian wheat, the Egyptian ambassador to New Delhi Wael Hamed said that his country is "very much interested in building relations with India.

Days after Egypt announced the decision to allow the import of Indian wheat, the Egyptian ambassador to New Delhi Wael Hamed said that his country is "very much interested in building relations with India." Egyptian call to add India to the list of countries from where wheat can be imported comes even global wheat prices have increased in a major way due to the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Both Russia and Ukraine have been major exporters of wheat, something that has been hard hit due to the ongoing war. Speaking to WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, envoy Wael explained, "Egypt has been traditionally importing wheat from other countries, we have been traditionally importing from Russia and Ukraine something like 80% of our yearly needs", adding, "Prices have risen to unprecedented level". India is being looked up as a potential source to fill the global shortfall in wheat supplies. According to the Indian government release over the weekend, the country aims to export three million tonnes of wheat to Egypt in 2023. Officials from agriculture quarantine and pest risk analysis of Egypt visited various processing units, port facilities and farms in Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh and Punjab. During his visit to Dubai last month, Union Commerce & Industry Minister Piyush Goyal also met Egypt’s Minister of Planning & Economic Development Dr Hala El-Said and discussed India's readiness to supply high-quality wheat towards ensuring Egypt's food security. WION: What is the rationale behind this decision of allowing Indian Wheat? Wael Hamed: The crisis between Ukraine and Russia has led to drastic increases in the prices of wheat internationally. Egypt has traditionally been one of the largest importers of wheat at the international level. Maybe until last year, we were the largest importer, this year we may be 2nd or the 3rd largest importer in the world. India at the same time is one of the largest producers. It hasn't been big country when it comes to exports of wheat so far, but it seems India has been willing to go into export market of wheat and Egypt being one of the largest importers of wheat, definitely Egypt is very much interested in building relations with India. WION: A team from Egypt was in India regarding this... Wael Hamed: Yes, they actually visited many places. They stayed here; they came last week. They stayed here for something 4-5 days. Very hectic 4-5 days. Indian side prepared an extensive program for them. They were able to inspect, have a look at fields, look at production in India also, at the labs in which wheat is being analysed for its nutrients and the quality of the wheat India is producing. The purpose of the visit basically is to gather as much information as possible on Indian Wheat and how good and adequate it is for the Egyptian market so as to make sure it is the kind of wheat we want to provide to our citizens. Wheat is a strategic commodity and every country puts its own standards for wheat and this was the main purpose for the visit of our experts last week. WION: When will the export from India to Egypt start, and any quantity you looking at? Wael Hamed: Our production is normally around 9 million tonnes but our consumption is 21-22 million tonnes a year, this means we import 12-13 million tonnes every year. It is very difficult to imagine that India will be willing to export that much. That anyone country can fulfil that gap, the 9 million tonnes Egypt produces and approximately 22 million tonnes we consume. So far there haven't been any commercial discussions that I know of. All that happened so far is that Egyptian experts were here, they actually find Indian Wheat is good enough to be imported into Egypt. In what quantities, by when, by whom henceforth, it will be subject to commercial discussion that will come at a later stage. WION: Indian Trade minister Goyal talked about his meeting with the Egyptian minister in Dubai and the process started...If you can talk about that, a chit was exchanged Wael Hamed: Before taking a call that was that important, that strategic of adding one country to the list of certified exporters of wheat to Egypt, a lot of communication and lot of interaction and meetings take place because this is really a big call. I am sure, that many such meetings took place, and you rightly mentioned the meeting of your minister of commerce and our minister and they actually discussed but there have been numerous discussions on the issue, even before this meeting in Dubai. My understanding is that many of the contacts took place even before the meeting took place between the 2 trade ministers in Dubai. The main result is we received the Egyptian experts last week and that we are here already discussing the possibility of in the future importing wheat from India. WION: Are there other countries from where Egypt is importing wheat? and do you think India can full fill the need of the world, in terms of wheat amid the ongoing conflict? Wael Hamed: Egypt has been traditionally importing wheat from other countries, we have been traditionally importing from Russia and Ukraine something like 80% of our yearly needs, and this is the reason behind the problem we are in now, the shortage we are facing. But we have also been importing from other countries, including France, Romania, the US, Argentina and other countries as well. We have traditionally been, an important importer of wheat and one good thing about being an importer is that you sometimes have the ability to impact the international prices. When you are a big importer, you are a price setter, this gives an ability to have communication with several countries that export wheat and also have our input. When it comes to India when I was speaking on production, our production is 9 million tonnes and we import 12 million tonnes to fill in the gap, that is 22 million tons. India produces approximately 110 million tonnes and consumes something like 105-103 million tonnes. The surplus that India has, is good to have a surplus but I am not sure whether the kind of surplus India has can actually make a big difference in the international market or not. We hope it will, everyone in the world needs to see the global supply chain of major agriculture products coming back to normal and back to stability. I hope India can open this. WION: How has the Russian invasion of Ukraine impacted the wheat prices? Wael Hamed: Everybody has been noticing this. Prices have risen to an unprecedented level, in the past I think one ton of wheat used to be around $380, now we see prices as high as $500. This is very big increase, because Russia was the number one wheat producer at the international level and Ukraine comes at number 4 or 5. Both of them together account for a big share of the market. The market has been for sure impacted and when I say Egypt is price setter, this doesn't mean that Egypt is the only country that has an influence on price. It means, that we as one of the biggest buyers have an influence. That when Egypt comes into the market, the price has to respond in a certain way, that is different when other smaller buyers come into the market and try to behave in this way or that way. A big importer and exporter are important when it comes to price mechanism of wheat in international affairs. WION: How do you see ties between the two countries? Wael Hamed: I hope what we can expect in the coming period is an intensification of the relationship between Egypt and India. Not only in terms of economic interaction, and trade just like wheat which is very important and adds to the strategic relationship between the 2 countries, because this is actually a very strategic commodity. But also, in terms of exchange at a higher level. As you might know, we very expecting the visit of his excellency PM Modi to Egypt in 2020, unfortunately, the visit did not take place but we are still hopeful this will be able to take place sometime this year. When it comes to relationships, both countries have enormous horizons and potential. If we put our hands together, we can make benefit both countries. WATCH | Egypt to import a million tons of Indian wheat amid shortage due to Russia-Ukraine war ×

'Interested in building relations', Egyptian envoy Wael on his country allowing import of Indian Wheat

Raising human rights concerns, the Biden administration has cancelled USD 130 million military aid to Egypt on Friday.&nbsp;

This comes just days after it had approved a massive USD 2.5 billion arms sale to the country. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-to-move-troops-to-eastern-europe-amid-russia-tensions-448630" hreflang="en">US President Biden to move troops to eastern Europe amid Russia tensions</a>

On Friday, the State Department of the US said that Egypt had not met the conditions to receive the USD 130 million in foreign military financing, which has been on hold since September. The money would be shifted to other programmes, it said, without elaborating. &nbsp;

While announcing the cancellation, the department did not mention the USD 2.5 billion sale of military transport planes and radar systems, which it approved on Tuesday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/if-russia-invades-ukraine-nord-stream-2-pipeline-will-not-move-forward-us-448278" hreflang="en">If Russia invades Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 pipeline will not move forward: US</a>

In September, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had approved the release of USD 300 million in foreign military financing to Egypt but withheld another USD 130 million unless the government addressed 'specific human-rights related conditions' by the end of January 2022. &nbsp;

“The deadline for meeting those conditions will soon pass. The (government of Egypt) made notable progress on the conditions but to date has not met them all. Therefore, after January 30, the secretary intends to reprogramme the USD 130 million to other national security priorities," the department said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Raising human rights concerns, the Biden administration has cancelled USD 130 million military aid to Egypt on Friday. This comes just days after it had approved a massive USD 2.

Raising human rights concerns, the Biden administration has cancelled USD 130 million military aid to Egypt on Friday. This comes just days after it had approved a massive USD 2.5 billion arms sale to the country. Also Read: US President Biden to move troops to eastern Europe amid Russia tensions On Friday, the State Department of the US said that Egypt had not met the conditions to receive the USD 130 million in foreign military financing, which has been on hold since September. The money would be shifted to other programmes, it said, without elaborating. While announcing the cancellation, the department did not mention the USD 2.5 billion sale of military transport planes and radar systems, which it approved on Tuesday. Also Read | If Russia invades Ukraine, Nord Stream 2 pipeline will not move forward: US In September, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken had approved the release of USD 300 million in foreign military financing to Egypt but withheld another USD 130 million unless the government addressed 'specific human-rights related conditions' by the end of January 2022. “The deadline for meeting those conditions will soon pass. The (government of Egypt) made notable progress on the conditions but to date has not met them all. Therefore, after January 30, the secretary intends to reprogramme the USD 130 million to other national security priorities," the department said. (With inputs from agencies)

Over human rights concerns, US cancels USD 130 million military aid to Egypt after arms sale

The sacking of a school teacher, who was recently divorced by her husband after a video of her belly-dancing with colleagues went viral, has sparked a national debate in largely conservative Egyptian society over women’s rights.

Aya Yousef was fired for “misconduct” and later divorced by her husband after she was filmed by a colleague at a work social event on a Nile boat reportedly without her permission.

The clip showed Yousef dancing with 4 other teachers to the tunes of a popular Egyptian music as others clap in applause for them.

After the video went viral on Twitter, the critics condemned the teachers for dancing in public while others decried what they saw as a violation of the privacy of the five.

A user claimed that she had acted shamefully. “It clearly expresses the poor times we live in!! Anything is permitted”.

“Education has reached a low level in Egypt,” another commented, calling for intervention by the relevant authorities.

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Following the outcry, Yousef was fired by the primary school in Dakahlia Governorate in the Nile Delta, where she had worked for several years teaching Arabic.

Speaking to reporters, a distraught Youssef said the video ruined her family life.

“After the spread of the video, everything went upside down and my husband divorced me,” she told Egyptian newspaper Al Masry Al Youm.

“I did nothing wrong. All I did was that I enjoyed myself as everyone else who was in the journey. But people have condemned me as if I had committed a crime when I shared laughter and played with my colleagues,” she added.

Youssef said her three children had accompanied her during the trip organised for families.

“My job as a teacher ends at the school gate. Like all other people, I have the right to live my life, please myself, play and dance.”

Women's rights advocates in Egypt spoke out strongly, insisting the teacher did nothing wrong and saying that she was the victim of a witch hunt.

The head of the Egyptian Centre for Women's Rights, Dr Nihad Abu Qumsan, offered Yousef a job in her office and asked her to bring her contract from the education ministry in order to file a legal complaint against her dismissal, reports BBC.

(With inputs from agencies)

The sacking of a school teacher, who was recently divorced by her husband after a video of her belly-dancing with colleagues went viral, has sparked a national debate in largely conservative Egyptian society over women’s rights.

The sacking of a school teacher, who was recently divorced by her husband after a video of her belly-dancing with colleagues went viral, has sparked a national debate in largely conservative Egyptian society over women’s rights. Aya Yousef was fired for “misconduct” and later divorced by her husband after she was filmed by a colleague at a work social event on a Nile boat reportedly without her permission. The clip showed Yousef dancing with 4 other teachers to the tunes of a popular Egyptian music as others clap in applause for them. After the video went viral on Twitter, the critics condemned the teachers for dancing in public while others decried what they saw as a violation of the privacy of the five. A user claimed that she had acted shamefully. “It clearly expresses the poor times we live in!! Anything is permitted”. “Education has reached a low level in Egypt,” another commented, calling for intervention by the relevant authorities. × Following the outcry, Yousef was fired by the primary school in Dakahlia Governorate in the Nile Delta, where she had worked for several years teaching Arabic. Speaking to reporters, a distraught Youssef said the video ruined her family life. “After the spread of the video, everything went upside down and my husband divorced me,” she told Egyptian newspaper Al Masry Al Youm. “I did nothing wrong. All I did was that I enjoyed myself as everyone else who was in the journey. But people have condemned me as if I had committed a crime when I shared laughter and played with my colleagues,” she added. Youssef said her three children had accompanied her during the trip organised for families. “My job as a teacher ends at the school gate. Like all other people, I have the right to live my life, please myself, play and dance.” Women's rights advocates in Egypt spoke out strongly, insisting the teacher did nothing wrong and saying that she was the victim of a witch hunt. The head of the Egyptian Centre for Women's Rights, Dr Nihad Abu Qumsan, offered Yousef a job in her office and asked her to bring her contract from the education ministry in order to file a legal complaint against her dismissal, reports BBC. (With inputs from agencies)

Egyptian teacher sacked, then divorced by husband after her belly-dancing video sparks outrage

In Egypt, archaeologists uncover two 2,500-year-old tombs, golden tongues from the Saite Dynasty

An Egyptian court on Monday convicted a prominent human rights advocate and lawyer of spreading false news and insulting a government authority, adding another name to a growing list of activists, journalists and dissidents whom the state has aggressively targeted and sought to silence for years.

The penalty imposed on the lawyer, Hossam Bahgat, was relatively modest, but the prosecution was just the latest chapter in a legal odyssey that has brought him to near ruin. It began more than five years ago, when the authorities opened an investigation into his activities and subjected him to an open-ended travel ban that he says crippled his career and sent him into depression.

On Monday, Bahgat was spared jail time and fined about $650 — an outcome that experts said appeared calculated to serve two purposes: a guilty verdict that would intimidate government opponents into silence while simultaneously presenting a more reasonable face to the audience abroad by not imprisoning him.

“It gets harder, it doesn’t get easier,” Bahgat said as he walked out of the courthouse. “They think they can change the rhetoric and leave everything as is. And so far it’s working.”

As the host of a major global climate summit next year, COP27, the country’s president, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, is showing signs of growing increasingly conscious of global opinion when it comes to human rights.

But for all the appearance of a softer tone, the reality on the ground in Egypt remains grim for critics of his rule.

The conviction of Bahgat, who runs one of the few remaining independent human rights groups in Egypt, followed a series of convictions with harsher penalties than the one imposed on him.

In June, Ahmed Samir Santawy, an Egyptian researcher and graduate student of anthropology in Vienna, who was detained during a visit to Egypt and questioned about anti-government posts he had made on social media, was sentenced to four years in prison on charges of spreading false news.

And this month, five activists and politicians, including a former member of Parliament, were sentenced from three to five years in prison, also on charges of spreading false news and using their social media accounts to undermine national security.

More trials of other researchers, activists and bloggers are expected in the coming weeks.

Rights groups estimate that tens of thousands of dissidents who have been incarcerated in the past few years, many without a trial, still languish in Egyptian prisons.

The continuing trials and jailings of activists underscore the increasingly authoritarian direction the country has taken under the leadership of el-Sissi, who became president in 2014.

“I see darkness,” said Mohamed Anwar Sadat, a former head of the human rights committee in Parliament, who has more recently played an informal role mediating between civil society groups and the state. “We thought the trial would bring a better end to these cases and serve as a way out of the crisis, but we’re in shock.”

Bahgat, the founder and executive director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, was on trial under a cybercrime law for a Twitter post last year accusing a government official who had presided over the elections authority of overseeing a fraudulent parliamentary election. The official was a judge who had died.

Monday’s conviction came shortly after el-Sissi made several announcements that had appeared to suggest the state would ease its stranglehold on political opposition and freedom of expression.

In September, he said that Egypt would honor all “obligations toward human rights and fundamental freedoms.” And in October, he declared an end to a 4-year-old state of emergency that had given the government and its security forces sweeping powers to crush dissent and detain citizens.

The announcements had led to some hope in Egypt that the country might be adopting a more tolerant approach that would allow civil society groups to operate without police harassment and the continuous threat of detention. Sceptics, however, pointed to the introduction of other laws that strengthened the grip of the authoritarian government and dismissed el-Sissi's assurances as hollow, made to fend off criticism from the West.

“That discourse seemed to signal an opening, but the reality shows the opposite,” said Khaled Ali, a former politician and lawyer who represents some of the activists still on trial. “It’s a huge contradiction.”

Going after Bahgat, critics said, is the latest evidence of a state that is not willing to let up on its efforts to quash free speech and the political opposition, often in the name of maintaining order and stability in a region rife with conflict.

US&nbsp;Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there were “issues of concern” in Egypt before the bilateral talks that took place earlier this month.

“Making tangible and lasting improvements on human rights is also essential to strengthening our bilateral relationship,” Blinken said, as he highlighted the issues he planned to cover with his Egyptian counterpart during the meetings. First on the list, and before human rights, was regional stability.

Bahgat is still embroiled in a separate criminal case against a number of non-governmental organisations and dozens of their members that the authorities have accused of receiving foreign funding illegally. He came under investigation in 2016 and has since been banned from travel and had his assets frozen.

Before Monday’s verdict, 46 human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, issued a statement calling on Egypt to “cease the harassment and persecution” of Bahgat.

“This represents the unprecedented state of oppression that we’ve been living under,” said Nasser Amin, a former member in the National Council for Human Rights. “There are no practical or realistic measures that point to any real intention or desire to improve the state of human rights in Egypt.”

An Egyptian court on Monday convicted a prominent human rights advocate and lawyer of spreading false news and insulting a government authority, adding another name to a growing list of activists, journalists and dissidents whom the state has aggressively targeted and sought to silence for years.

An Egyptian court on Monday convicted a prominent human rights advocate and lawyer of spreading false news and insulting a government authority, adding another name to a growing list of activists, journalists and dissidents whom the state has aggressively targeted and sought to silence for years. The penalty imposed on the lawyer, Hossam Bahgat, was relatively modest, but the prosecution was just the latest chapter in a legal odyssey that has brought him to near ruin. It began more than five years ago, when the authorities opened an investigation into his activities and subjected him to an open-ended travel ban that he says crippled his career and sent him into depression. On Monday, Bahgat was spared jail time and fined about $650 — an outcome that experts said appeared calculated to serve two purposes: a guilty verdict that would intimidate government opponents into silence while simultaneously presenting a more reasonable face to the audience abroad by not imprisoning him. “It gets harder, it doesn’t get easier,” Bahgat said as he walked out of the courthouse. “They think they can change the rhetoric and leave everything as is. And so far it’s working.” As the host of a major global climate summit next year, COP27, the country’s president, Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi, is showing signs of growing increasingly conscious of global opinion when it comes to human rights. But for all the appearance of a softer tone, the reality on the ground in Egypt remains grim for critics of his rule. The conviction of Bahgat, who runs one of the few remaining independent human rights groups in Egypt, followed a series of convictions with harsher penalties than the one imposed on him. In June, Ahmed Samir Santawy, an Egyptian researcher and graduate student of anthropology in Vienna, who was detained during a visit to Egypt and questioned about anti-government posts he had made on social media, was sentenced to four years in prison on charges of spreading false news. And this month, five activists and politicians, including a former member of Parliament, were sentenced from three to five years in prison, also on charges of spreading false news and using their social media accounts to undermine national security. More trials of other researchers, activists and bloggers are expected in the coming weeks. Rights groups estimate that tens of thousands of dissidents who have been incarcerated in the past few years, many without a trial, still languish in Egyptian prisons. The continuing trials and jailings of activists underscore the increasingly authoritarian direction the country has taken under the leadership of el-Sissi, who became president in 2014. “I see darkness,” said Mohamed Anwar Sadat, a former head of the human rights committee in Parliament, who has more recently played an informal role mediating between civil society groups and the state. “We thought the trial would bring a better end to these cases and serve as a way out of the crisis, but we’re in shock.” Bahgat, the founder and executive director of the Egyptian Initiative for Personal Rights, was on trial under a cybercrime law for a Twitter post last year accusing a government official who had presided over the elections authority of overseeing a fraudulent parliamentary election. The official was a judge who had died. Monday’s conviction came shortly after el-Sissi made several announcements that had appeared to suggest the state would ease its stranglehold on political opposition and freedom of expression. In September, he said that Egypt would honor all “obligations toward human rights and fundamental freedoms.” And in October, he declared an end to a 4-year-old state of emergency that had given the government and its security forces sweeping powers to crush dissent and detain citizens. The announcements had led to some hope in Egypt that the country might be adopting a more tolerant approach that would allow civil society groups to operate without police harassment and the continuous threat of detention. Sceptics, however, pointed to the introduction of other laws that strengthened the grip of the authoritarian government and dismissed el-Sissi's assurances as hollow, made to fend off criticism from the West. “That discourse seemed to signal an opening, but the reality shows the opposite,” said Khaled Ali, a former politician and lawyer who represents some of the activists still on trial. “It’s a huge contradiction.” Going after Bahgat, critics said, is the latest evidence of a state that is not willing to let up on its efforts to quash free speech and the political opposition, often in the name of maintaining order and stability in a region rife with conflict. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there were “issues of concern” in Egypt before the bilateral talks that took place earlier this month. “Making tangible and lasting improvements on human rights is also essential to strengthening our bilateral relationship,” Blinken said, as he highlighted the issues he planned to cover with his Egyptian counterpart during the meetings. First on the list, and before human rights, was regional stability. Bahgat is still embroiled in a separate criminal case against a number of non-governmental organisations and dozens of their members that the authorities have accused of receiving foreign funding illegally. He came under investigation in 2016 and has since been banned from travel and had his assets frozen. Before Monday’s verdict, 46 human rights organizations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, issued a statement calling on Egypt to “cease the harassment and persecution” of Bahgat. “This represents the unprecedented state of oppression that we’ve been living under,” said Nasser Amin, a former member in the National Council for Human Rights. “There are no practical or realistic measures that point to any real intention or desire to improve the state of human rights in Egypt.”

In latest assault on dissent, Egypt convicts a human rights activist

An Egyptian court on Thursday sentenced to death 22 Islamist militants, including a former police officer, for terrorist attacks, including the attempted assassination of a former interior minister, according to news reports.

The men were found guilty of committing 54 “terrorist operations” across Egypt, including the murder of a senior police officer as well as trying to kill former interior minister Mohamed Ibrahim, a&nbsp;judicial source told AFP.

The convicted men were members of Ansar Beit al-Maqdis—a jihadist militant group which pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State in 2014.

The Court of Cassation, Egypt’s highest appeals court, also upheld prison sentences of 118 others in the same case, ranging from terms of several years to life imprisonment.

Ansar Beit al-Maqdis fighters in Sinai were led by Hisham al-Ashmawy, an ex-special forces officer.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-army-says-89-insurgents-killed-in-restive-sinai-402228">Egypt army says 89 insurgents killed in restive Sinai</a>

Ashmawy –- once dubbed Egypt's “most wanted man” —split from the militants after they switched allegiance from Al-Qaeda to the Islamic State group.

Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis has been associated with almost every terrorist attack that hit Egypt after the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood.

For years, Egypt has been fighting a bitter insurgency in North Sinai against the Maqdis fighters that escalated after the army's 2013 ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi.

In February 2018, the army and police launched a nationwide operation against militants focused on North Sinai.

In 2019, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi&nbsp;confirmed&nbsp;that Egypt's military was working with Israel to combat ISIS in the Sinai, in an interview with CBS.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Egyptian court on Thursday sentenced to death 22 Islamist militants, including a former police officer, for terrorist attacks, including the attempted assassination of a former interior minister, according to news reports.

An Egyptian court on Thursday sentenced to death 22 Islamist militants, including a former police officer, for terrorist attacks, including the attempted assassination of a former interior minister, according to news reports. The men were found guilty of committing 54 “terrorist operations” across Egypt, including the murder of a senior police officer as well as trying to kill former interior minister Mohamed Ibrahim, a judicial source told AFP. The convicted men were members of Ansar Beit al-Maqdis—a jihadist militant group which pledged its allegiance to the Islamic State in 2014. The Court of Cassation, Egypt’s highest appeals court, also upheld prison sentences of 118 others in the same case, ranging from terms of several years to life imprisonment. Ansar Beit al-Maqdis fighters in Sinai were led by Hisham al-Ashmawy, an ex-special forces officer. Also read | Egypt army says 89 insurgents killed in restive Sinai Ashmawy –- once dubbed Egypt's “most wanted man” —split from the militants after they switched allegiance from Al-Qaeda to the Islamic State group. Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis has been associated with almost every terrorist attack that hit Egypt after the ouster of the Muslim Brotherhood. For years, Egypt has been fighting a bitter insurgency in North Sinai against the Maqdis fighters that escalated after the army's 2013 ouster of Islamist president Mohamed Morsi. In February 2018, the army and police launched a nationwide operation against militants focused on North Sinai. In 2019, Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi confirmed that Egypt's military was working with Israel to combat ISIS in the Sinai, in an interview with CBS. (With inputs from agencies)

Egyptian court sentences to death 22 Islamist militants, including ex-cop

Egypt's state of emergency will be lifted for the first time in years, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Monday.

Egypt imposed a state of emergency in April 2017 after deadly bombings of churches and has since routinely extended it at three-month intervals, despite an improved security situation.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudans-general-declares-state-of-emergency-dissolves-government-423880">Sudan's general declares state of emergency, dissolves government</a>

"Egypt has become&nbsp;an oasis of security and stability in the region," Sisi wrote in a Facebook post. "Hence it was decided, for the first time in years, to cancel the extension of the state of emergency in all areas of the country."

The state of emergency granted authorities sweeping powers to make arrests and crack down on what they call enemies of the state.

It was applied during the extension of a clamp-down on political dissent under Sisi that has swept up liberal as well as Islamist critics over the past few years.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/egyptian-man-waits-6-months-after-swallowing-a-mobile-phone-422423">Egyptian man waits 6 months after swallowing a mobile phone</a>

Egypt's security forces have also been battling an insurgency by militants linked to Islamic State in northern Sinai, although they have recently consolidated their position in the area.&nbsp;

Prominent Egyptian activist Hossam Bahgat welcomed the decision, saying it would stop the use of emergency state security courts, although it would not apply to some high-profile cases already referred to such courts.

Egypt's state of emergency will be lifted for the first time in years, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Monday. Egypt imposed a state of emergency in April 2017 after deadly bombings of churches and has since routinely extended it at three-month intervals, despite an improved security situation.

Egypt's state of emergency will be lifted for the first time in years, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said on Monday. Egypt imposed a state of emergency in April 2017 after deadly bombings of churches and has since routinely extended it at three-month intervals, despite an improved security situation. Also Read | Sudan's general declares state of emergency, dissolves government "Egypt has become an oasis of security and stability in the region," Sisi wrote in a Facebook post. "Hence it was decided, for the first time in years, to cancel the extension of the state of emergency in all areas of the country." The state of emergency granted authorities sweeping powers to make arrests and crack down on what they call enemies of the state. It was applied during the extension of a clamp-down on political dissent under Sisi that has swept up liberal as well as Islamist critics over the past few years. Also read | Egyptian man waits 6 months after swallowing a mobile phone Egypt's security forces have also been battling an insurgency by militants linked to Islamic State in northern Sinai, although they have recently consolidated their position in the area. Prominent Egyptian activist Hossam Bahgat welcomed the decision, saying it would stop the use of emergency state security courts, although it would not apply to some high-profile cases already referred to such courts.

Egypt's President Sisi ends state of emergency for the first time in years

An Egyptian man went to a doctor for severe abdominal pain, but the doctor was shocked when he got to know there is a mobile phone in his stomach.<o:p></o:p>

The man had swallowed a mobile phone six months ago. However, he had decided to not tell anyone as he figured that the phone might come out of his body through natural body process.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/study-suggests-that-tuberculosis-like-covid-spreads-through-aerosols-422385">Study suggests that Tuberculosis, like Covid, spreads through aerosols</a></o:p>

The man said he was too embarrassed of his act to tell anyone. However, his pain became so terrible that he had to finally go to a doctor. He was unable to pass food as the mobile phone was blocking the passage.<o:p></o:p>

When he told the doctors about the abdominal pains, the doctors conducted an X-ray and spotted the mobile phone in his stomach.<o:p></o:p>

The doctors then conducted an immediate operation at the Aswan University Hospital. The experts said this was the first time they had seen such a case where a man has managed to swallow an entire mobile phone.

<o:p>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/diver-finds-900-year-old-crusader-sword-off-israel-coast-422372">Diver finds 900-year-old crusader sword off Israel coast</a></o:p>

For now, the phone has been removed through an operation. However, there is no update on his health, as of now. Doctors are hoping the man will be able to make full recovery from the operation soon.<o:p></o:p>

It is not yet clear about why did the Egyptian man swallowed the phone.<o:p></o:p>

An Egyptian man went to a doctor for severe abdominal pain, but the doctor was shocked when he got to know there is a mobile phone in his stomach. The man had swallowed a mobile phone six months ago.

An Egyptian man went to a doctor for severe abdominal pain, but the doctor was shocked when he got to know there is a mobile phone in his stomach. The man had swallowed a mobile phone six months ago. However, he had decided to not tell anyone as he figured that the phone might come out of his body through natural body process. Also read | Study suggests that Tuberculosis, like Covid, spreads through aerosols The man said he was too embarrassed of his act to tell anyone. However, his pain became so terrible that he had to finally go to a doctor. He was unable to pass food as the mobile phone was blocking the passage. When he told the doctors about the abdominal pains, the doctors conducted an X-ray and spotted the mobile phone in his stomach. The doctors then conducted an immediate operation at the Aswan University Hospital. The experts said this was the first time they had seen such a case where a man has managed to swallow an entire mobile phone. Also read | Diver finds 900-year-old crusader sword off Israel coast For now, the phone has been removed through an operation. However, there is no update on his health, as of now. Doctors are hoping the man will be able to make full recovery from the operation soon. It is not yet clear about why did the Egyptian man swallowed the phone.

Egyptian man waits 6 months after swallowing a mobile phone

Greece and Egypt on Thursday (October 14) signed memorandum of understanding for a project that will see an undersea cable that will transmit power produced by renewables from North Africa to Europe. This is first such infrastructure in the Mediterranean.

The MoU was signed by Greek Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas and his Egyptian counterpart, Mohamed Shaker. The ceremony was held in Athens.

"Such an infrastructure, the first of its kind in the eastern Mediterranean, will enhance regional market integration between Greece and Egypt, between Europe and North Africa, allowing all parties to expand the participation of renewables in their respective generation mix thereby effectively combating the effects of climate change," said Skrekas.

"The electrical connection which we are considering today has many benefits to meet the country electricity needs including securing and stabilizing the electrical system for both countries, reducing reserve margins to cope with emergencies, and diversification of electrical energy sources," said Shaker.

"In Egypt during the last five or six years...we were suffering from a shortage of power supply, now we have a surplus of power supply," he added.

The deal has come as Greece, Cyprus and Israel plan to build the Euro-Asia Interconnector, the world's longest and deepest underwater power cable crossing the Mediterranean. The estimated cost of this is about USD 900 million.

The Greek-Egyptian memorandum establishes a high-level working group of senior officials, representatives of the power grid operators and energy regulators.

The group will examine means and financing for the implementation of the project and facilitate the timely granting of permits and approvals, necessary the feasibility studies, Skrekas said.

As part of the project, Cyprus is due to sign a similar agreement with Egypt on Saturday.

The agreement further strengthens ties between Greece and Egypt, which last year signed an accord on their maritime boundaries, giving them rights over natural resources.

(With inputs from agencies)

Greece and Egypt on Thursday (October 14) signed memorandum of understanding for a project that will see an undersea cable that will transmit power produced by renewables from North Africa to Europe.

Greece and Egypt on Thursday (October 14) signed memorandum of understanding for a project that will see an undersea cable that will transmit power produced by renewables from North Africa to Europe. This is first such infrastructure in the Mediterranean. The MoU was signed by Greek Energy Minister Kostas Skrekas and his Egyptian counterpart, Mohamed Shaker. The ceremony was held in Athens. "Such an infrastructure, the first of its kind in the eastern Mediterranean, will enhance regional market integration between Greece and Egypt, between Europe and North Africa, allowing all parties to expand the participation of renewables in their respective generation mix thereby effectively combating the effects of climate change," said Skrekas. "The electrical connection which we are considering today has many benefits to meet the country electricity needs including securing and stabilizing the electrical system for both countries, reducing reserve margins to cope with emergencies, and diversification of electrical energy sources," said Shaker. "In Egypt during the last five or six years...we were suffering from a shortage of power supply, now we have a surplus of power supply," he added. The deal has come as Greece, Cyprus and Israel plan to build the Euro-Asia Interconnector, the world's longest and deepest underwater power cable crossing the Mediterranean. The estimated cost of this is about USD 900 million. The Greek-Egyptian memorandum establishes a high-level working group of senior officials, representatives of the power grid operators and energy regulators. The group will examine means and financing for the implementation of the project and facilitate the timely granting of permits and approvals, necessary the feasibility studies, Skrekas said. As part of the project, Cyprus is due to sign a similar agreement with Egypt on Saturday. The agreement further strengthens ties between Greece and Egypt, which last year signed an accord on their maritime boundaries, giving them rights over natural resources. (With inputs from agencies)

Greece, Egypt agree to lay first subsea power link between Europe and Africa

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