Ikhwanweb :: The Muslim Brotherhood Official English Website

MB Parliamentarian Demands Problems of Sinai Bedouins Solved

The problem of Sinai Bedouins is a serious issue which is facing Egypt nowadays. Regarding the latest developments, Sinai residents specially those in the Egyptian part of Rafah held a huge demonstration protesting at Egyptian authorities decision of keeping them about 150 metres away from the borderline with Gaza. They protested at the unjustified detentions and unfair security measures. They declared also that they will stage a huge march that will move to Rafah crossing unless the g

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The problem of Sinai Bedouins is a serious issue which is facing Egypt nowadays. Regarding the latest developments, Sinai residents specially those in the Egyptian part of Rafah held a huge demonstration protesting at Egyptian authorities decision of keeping them about 150 metres away from the borderline with Gaza. They protested at the unjustified detentions and unfair security measures. They declared also that they will stage a huge march that will move to Rafah crossing unless the government addresses their demands.
 
Hamdi Mohamed Ismail, a member of the Muslim Brotherhood’s (MB) parliamentary bloc for the governorate of Ismailia, voiced in a phone call with Ikhwanweb his deep worry over the current situation in Rafah and Sinai. “The issue of Sinai Bedouins is a sensitive issue that must be tackled in a special manner. They are close to borders and any country must deal appropriately with those close to borders because it is a national security issue. The government must take care for Sinai Bedouins and address their demands specially that these demands are logical are not hurting state interests. These Bedouins are only a few kilometres from the borderline, an issue which must be taken into consideration while talking their file."
 
“The government must address the demands of these people and deal with them in methods other than oppression and security grip. It can talk with them because these Bedouins are the safety valve of the eastern borders of Egypt”, he said.
 
“Not opening Rafah Crossing may lead to a humanitarian disaster among the Palestinians and may lead also to more tensions between them and the government."
 
Ismail confirmed "The security solution is useless especially in volatile areas like Sinai. We hear some who quote them saying they prefer to joining Israel instead of facing such treatment in Egypt."
 
Asked about the role of the Egyptian MPs in reaching a solution for this crisis, Ismail said:" We-MPs- demand government to deal with such issues through dialogue. It must talk with all Egyptian across the political spectrum, particularly Sinai residents who are enraged by the current security treatment. People were enraged more after the Egyptian decision of keeping residents of Rafah about 150 metres away from borders. This means demolishing some private properties. People need dialogue and constructive solutions, not repressive solutions. The current policies on the ground will lead to vendetta, skirmishes and other problems a climate which Israel wants to see on Egyptian soil.
 
Ismail added:" We submitted some written questions and interrogations, but the House is currently on a holiday. This issue will have a priority when the House starts its parliamentary session".
 
Many problems emerge during the parliamentary holiday. There should be other solutions for this holiday like giving alternate holidays for some MPs while others are in parliament to follow up the latest developments and solve problems which require quick solutions. A fact finding committee should be formed to see problems on the scene.
 
“To protect the Egyptian security at Sinai, we demand the government to form a fact finding committee that comprises MPs. Also, an emergency House session must be held to discuss this volatile issue. We need to talk not to fight our compatriots“, added Ismail.