Egyptian President Reiterates Importance of Holding Elections in Libya

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meets with the head of national unity government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, in Cairo (Egyptian Presidency)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meets with the head of national unity government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, in Cairo (Egyptian Presidency)
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Egyptian President Reiterates Importance of Holding Elections in Libya

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meets with the head of national unity government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, in Cairo (Egyptian Presidency)
Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi meets with the head of national unity government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, in Cairo (Egyptian Presidency)

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi discussed the upcoming Libyan elections with the head of national unity government, Abdul Hamid Dbeibeh, in Cairo.

The meeting was attended by Prime Minister Moustafa Madbouly and Director of the General Intelligence Service Abbas Kamel.

Egyptian presidential spokesman Bassam Radi said that Sisi underscored the utmost priority to restoring stability in Libya.

He also stressed Cairo's firm position towards respecting Tripoli's sovereignty and territorial integrity and rejecting all forms of foreign intervention in the internal affairs of Libya.

Sisi confirmed the importance of strengthening the cohesion of Libya's national institutions and uniting its national army to protect the resources of the Libyan people and reinforce their free will.

The meeting touched on the latest developments in Libya. The President lauded the approval of the electoral law, saying it is an essential step in implementing the roadmap approved by the Libyans.

Sisi said Egypt is ready to help Libyans hold the elections based on cooperation, development, and respect for the values of good neighborliness.

He lauded the endeavors of Dbeibeh's government to improve the living conditions of Libyan citizens.

The President expressed confidence in the ability of the Libyan people to overcome all challenges they are facing toward the reconstruction of a robust modern state capable of reinforcing security and stability across the country.

For his part, Dbeibeh reiterated Libya's profound appreciation for Egypt's pivotal role under the wise leadership of Sisi to maintain peace and stability in Libya.

This comes in light of the historic and brotherly relations that bind the two countries, mainly supporting Libya's national institutions. It also addressed transferring Egyptian expertise in the reconstruction and development of Libya to fulfill the aspirations of the Libyan people for a secure and dignified life.

Dbeibeh said he looks forward to further advancing Egyptian-Libyan relations across all areas for the benefit of the two peoples and support Egyptian investments to implement various projects in Libya.

Madbouly met with his Libyan counterpart ahead of the High Joint Libyan-Egyptian Committee meetings in Cairo.

Speaking at the joint press conference, Dbeibeh said that Sisi asserted Egypt's support to Libyan people, adding that the delegation's visit to Cairo confirms Egypt's significant role in the region and the world.

Dbeibeh explained that the delegation includes several ministers to confirm Libya's seriousness in the projects implemented by Egyptian companies.

Madbouly announced that Cairo and Tripoli agreed on several projects to be implemented by Egypt.

He described the meeting as "historic" because it represents the resumption of relations between the two countries during the next phase, stressing that Egypt will continue to provide political and economic support to Libya.

He encouraged the Libyan side to invest in Egypt through the Libyan Investment Corporation and the Development Fund.

Madbouly and Dbeibeh witnessed the signing of several agreements and joint memoranda of understanding (MoU) by the relevant ministers in transportation, ports, oil, infrastructure, energy, health, education, housing, communications, agriculture, security cooperation, civil aviation, and sports.



Hamas Claims Attack on Israeli Bus in West Bank That Wounded 8 People, Including 4 Soldiers

Four people suffered bullet wounds, three of them serious, and four others were lightly injured by shards of glass, according to the Magen David Adom rescue service - AFP
Four people suffered bullet wounds, three of them serious, and four others were lightly injured by shards of glass, according to the Magen David Adom rescue service - AFP
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Hamas Claims Attack on Israeli Bus in West Bank That Wounded 8 People, Including 4 Soldiers

Four people suffered bullet wounds, three of them serious, and four others were lightly injured by shards of glass, according to the Magen David Adom rescue service - AFP
Four people suffered bullet wounds, three of them serious, and four others were lightly injured by shards of glass, according to the Magen David Adom rescue service - AFP

Hamas claimed responsibility for a shooting attack on an Israeli bus in the occupied West Bank on Friday that wounded eight people, including four soldiers.

It was the latest violence to scar the territory as tensions run high 14 months into the Israel-Hamas war.

The attacker, who Hamas identified in a statement as Samer Hussein, 46, was killed by Israeli troops shortly after opening fire toward the bus at a junction near the Israeli settlement of Ariel.

The military said four soldiers were lightly wounded. Paramedics said three people were critically wounded.

Attacks by Palestinian fighters on Israelis in the volatile territory have grown more common since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, as Palestinian deaths have also spiked.  

Israeli fire has killed 796 Palestinians since Oct. 7, 2023, mostly in military raids on Palestinian cities and towns. Attacks by settlers on Palestinians and their property have also increased.