Tragic shooting claims lives of Israeli tourists, Egyptian guide in Egypt

Two Israeli tourists and their Egyptian guide were fatally shot by an Egyptian policeman on Sunday amidst the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants. The incident occurred in Alexandria, leaving another individual injured, while the assailant was promptly apprehended.

Israel’s National Security Council issued a stern advisory, urging its citizens to reconsider traveling abroad, especially within the Middle East, in light of this tragic attack. They also advised those already in Egypt to depart “as soon as possible.”

The assailant, identified as an Egyptian policeman, indiscriminately opened fire on an Israeli tour group using his personal weapon, according to state-affiliated private television channel Extra News, citing a security source. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed the deaths, expressing profound sorrow and revealing that an additional Israeli was wounded but in moderate condition.

Furthermore, the National Security Council of Israel raised concerns about the potential for increased motivation among terror groups and lone attackers targeting Israelis abroad.

As of now, Egyptian authorities have not released an official statement regarding the attack against the tourists. This incident unfolds against the backdrop of heightened tensions, with Palestinian militants launching multiple attacks on Israel, leading to the declaration of war against the Hamas movement and subsequent airstrikes on Gaza.

Egypt, as the first Arab country to establish a peace treaty with Israel in 1979, has traditionally played a pivotal role as a mediator between Israel and the Palestinians. Nevertheless, despite diplomatic relations, Israel remains largely unpopular among the Egyptian populace.

Tragically, this event is not an isolated incident, as just a few months ago, three Israeli soldiers lost their lives in a border skirmish with Egyptian security forces, who had crossed into Israeli territory while pursuing drug traffickers, according to the Egyptian army.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi issued a stark warning on Saturday, highlighting the escalating tensions in the region and their potential to disrupt regional stability and security.