Tag Archives: egypt

International

Egytian Nakba protesters hit by al-Qaeda style attack

Protesters in Cairo were attacked in a drive by shooting. A car drove into the protesters, the occupants shooting into the crowd.  Reports say two people were wounded.  Crowds grabbed one of the shooters, who has ID cards for former president Mubarak’s political party.  This suggests that the new government  might be just a new face on an old system.

On the Sinai Peninsula the tomb of a prominent sheik was bombed.  No other information available.

In another protest by Christians, demonstrating at a state run TV station in Cairo, they were attacked by a crowd of people who threw rocks and fire bombs.  Vehicles were pulled into the middle of the street and set on fire.  The military had to be called in. No other info available.

 

 

International

Egyptian military preventing Egyptians from marching on Israeli border

In a live report on Iranian TV, a reporter said that Egyptians who where planning on demonstrating on the Israeli border are being prevented by the Egyptian Army.

Egyptians say they chartered dozens of buses to take them to the border along Gaza. However, those bus companies say they have been ordered by the Egyptian Army not to do so.

In the past week many Egyptians made statements about protesting Israel on May 15.  They even asked for the Egyptian Army to support them in their demonstrations.  Reports that the new Egyptian government is trying to block such anti-Israel demonstrations shows that new government is not in line with the Egyptian people.  Egyptians say they will find other ways to get to the Israeli border.

 

International

Millions of people in the Middle East demonstrate for Palestinan freedom, Day of Unity prior to Nakba anniversary

May 13, hundreds of thousands of Egyptians are demonstrating in Cairo and Alexandria.  The demonstrators are calling for unity within Egypt, for former Mubarak officials to be brought to trial, and freedom for Palestinians.

In Jordan, hundreds of thousands of people are demonstrating, calling for the freedom of Palestinians.  People of Jordan and Lebanon are also planning on marching on Israel’s borders on May 15.

May 13 is National Unity Day in Egypt.  The Nakba, when Palestinians officially lost most of their land to Israel, is May 15.  Egyptians are planning a million man march to the Israeli/Egyptian border at Gaza, on May 15.

Earlier in the week, Palestinians in Fatah controlled West Bank, and Hamas controlled Gaza, held huge “Unity” demonstrations.

International

Egypt defies Israel, will open Gaza border

A day after Israel invades northern Gaza, Egypt says it will open its border with Gaza.

Egypt will allow aid convoys to enter Gaza.  Prior to the Egyptian Revolution, Egyptian President Mubarak closed the border, in cooperation with Israel.

Mubarak’s government also worked with Israel to keep Hamas and Fatah separated.  The new transitional government of Egypt worked to bring Hamas and Fatah together, which greatly angered Israel.

The first aid convoys are planned to cross the Gaza border on May 15 (the anniversary of the Nakba, Israeli occupation of Palestinian land).

International, U.S.

Military government detains Mubarak & Sons

After weeks of protests, the military leaders of Egypt have detained Hosni Mubarak, and his sons, for questioning.

Mubarak is in a hospital after he suffered a heart attack. Protesters were demanding that the former Egyptian ruler be arrested for corruption.

On April 12 the pro-U.S. military rulers cleared protesters from Tharir Square.  But Egyptians promised an even bigger protest on Friday, if Mubarak was not arrested.

With the detention of Mubarak and his sons, Egyptians say they can now focus on pushing the military leaders to hold elections for a new government.