Egypt Removes 58,000 Encroachments on Nile River

The campaign to remove encroachments on the Nile River. (Ministry of Water Resources)
The campaign to remove encroachments on the Nile River. (Ministry of Water Resources)
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Egypt Removes 58,000 Encroachments on Nile River

The campaign to remove encroachments on the Nile River. (Ministry of Water Resources)
The campaign to remove encroachments on the Nile River. (Ministry of Water Resources)

The Egyptian government has launched a national campaign to end illegal encroachments on the Nile River, as the country faces a shortage in its water resources.

Minister of Irrigation Mohamed Abdel Aty announced that the authorities have so far removed more than 58,000 violations over an area of ​​8.4 million square meters, in full coordination with the security agencies and the various state authorities.

During a meeting with the executive leaders, Abdel Aty stressed that the ministry is determined to address all forms of encroachments on the Nile River, waterways, and irrigation properties.

He asserted that efforts would continue, and all concerned agencies are equipped with the necessary tools to implement the current removals.

They will take all necessary legal measures and refer the violators to the competent authorities.

The Minister stressed that the decisive response to these violations “is a clear message to whoever attempts to commit any form of encroachment on waterways or irrigation properties.

He added that the campaign aims to achieve good management, operation and maintenance of the water system and ensure that beneficiaries have access to their water needs.



Palestinian UN Ambassador Says Security Council Must Demand Ceasefire in Gaza

Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza, at UN headquarters in New York City, US, October 16, 2024. (Reuters)
Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza, at UN headquarters in New York City, US, October 16, 2024. (Reuters)
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Palestinian UN Ambassador Says Security Council Must Demand Ceasefire in Gaza

Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza, at UN headquarters in New York City, US, October 16, 2024. (Reuters)
Permanent Observer for the State of Palestine to the United Nations, Riyad Mansour speaks during a United Nations Security Council meeting on the situation in Gaza, at UN headquarters in New York City, US, October 16, 2024. (Reuters)

Arab nations and the Palestinians are pushing for a UN Security Council resolution that demands an immediate ceasefire in Gaza.

Asked to respond to Israel and Hamas saying they don’t want a ceasefire following the Israeli killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian UN ambassador, told reporters Friday that the decision isn’t up to them.

“It is not up to the fighting parties to dictate upon all of us their wishes and their activities, ... especially Israel,” he said. “It is the duty of the Security Council to say, `We demand an immediate ceasefire and compliance by all parties, and we demand that to take place, for example, within 24 hours or within 48 hours.”

Mansour said it should not be “taboo” for the Security Council to draft a resolution under Chapter 7 of the UN Charter, which would make it militarily enforceable.

Mansour was speaking after he and 10 Arab ambassadors met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

The Palestinian ambassador said they discussed a leaked proposal from Israeli generals to declare northern Gaza a military zone and seal it off, which he said would threaten 400,000 Palestinians there with death or starvation.

Mansour expressed hope that the often divided Security Council has “the spine and the strength and the determination” to stop that from happening and demand an immediate cease-fire and the delivery of humanitarian assistance throughout Gaza, “and to allow for opening a door to a political horizon.”