An Egyptian police officer shot two Israeli tourists and their Egyptian guide on Sunday, according to reports from local media and Israeli authorities. This incident occurred amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants, which entered its second day.
Subsequently, Israel’s National Security Council advised its citizens, in light of the incident in Egypt, to contemplate refraining from traveling abroad, especially in the Middle East.
The statement urged individuals present in Egypt to depart “As soon as possible.”
The security source cited by the state-affiliated private television network, Extra News, reported that the police officer used his personal firearm to shoot at an Israeli tourist group in Alexandria, doing so in a seemingly indiscriminate manner.
A fourth individual sustained injuries, and the policeman was promptly apprehended, according to the source.
Israeli Foreign Ministry Confirms Deaths of Two Israelis in Egypt
The Israeli Foreign Ministry also verified the fatalities in an official statement.
The statement from the Israeli Foreign Ministry read, “During a visit by Israeli tourists in Alexandria, Egypt, this morning, a local individual opened fire on them, resulting in the tragic deaths of two Israeli citizens and their Egyptian guide. Additionally, one Israeli is injured and in moderate condition.”
Shooting Raises Concerns About Security of Israelis Traveling Abroad
The National Security Council of Israel further expressed concerns, stating, “There is a heightened concern regarding the potential increased motivation of terrorist groups and lone attackers targeting Israelis overseas.”
These fatalities occurred amidst ongoing conflict, with Palestinian militants initiating a multi-pronged assault on Israel on Saturday. In response, Israel declared a state of war against the Hamas movement and initiated airstrikes on Gaza.
In 1979, Egypt made history by becoming the first Arab nation to establish a peace agreement with Israel. Over the years, Egypt has played a pivotal role in mediating between Israel and the Palestinians.
Israeli tourists frequently travel to Egypt; however, despite diplomatic relations, Israel continues to have limited popularity among the Egyptian populace.
Egypt-Israel Relations Strained Amidst Ongoing Conflict
In June, a tragic incident occurred at the border between Israel and Egypt, where three Israeli soldiers lost their lives in a firefight. The incident involved a member of the Egyptian security forces who crossed the border, reportedly in pursuit of drug traffickers, as stated by the Egyptian army.
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi Warns of “Vicious Cycle of Tensions”
On Saturday, President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt issued a warning about the potential emergence of a “vicious cycle of tensions” that could pose a threat to regional stability and security.
