CAIRO: In a conference at the Faculty of Law of the University of Alexandria, Egyptian actor Mohammed Sobhy warned Egyptian youth from what he called “the involvement of Egypt” in a dispute with Israel through a march towards the Gaza Strip, known as the beginning of the third Palestinian Intifada, saying that “the current transitional phase cannot afford the implication of Egypt's security.” Commenting on the call to march to Gaza, Sobhy said “we should not rejoice by the success of the very first stage of the January 25 revolution and use it as a springboard to the major issue, which is the Palestinian issue.” He stressed that “we must not lose sight of the importance of strengthening the internal front and the completion of all stages of the revolution before heading off of the Palestinian cause.” Sobhy said that many powers and enemies lie “in wait for the homeland and scared by any reform in the society at all levels,” stressing that these powers wish to drive a wedge between the people, and between the people and the army. He pointed out that “the first phase of the revolution passed, but must be maintained on the ethics of the revolution and its greatness, to preserve the sanctities of the country.” Sobhy praised the role of the Egyptian armed forces, pointing out how the “greatness of the Egyptian revolution stemmed from the awareness of the Egyptian citizen and his solidarity and cooperation with the armed forces.” He added that “the armed forces were armed by maintaining the stability and cohesion of the Egyptian society,” stressing that the Egyptian revolution has no traitor. The Egyptian Interior Ministry issued a statement last week after massive pro-Palestinian demonstrations, denouncing calls by Egyptian national political forces, in Egypt and the Arab countries to go to the Egyptian borders adjacent to the Gaza Strip to support and advocate for the Palestinian cause. The ministry confirmed its commitment to support the Palestinian people to achieve its legitimate and fair rights. It also declared its delight of Egyptians' prominent role, “which has been evident recently and resulted in the achievement of the Palestinian reconciliation and seeks to alleviate the suffering of residents of the Gaza Strip.” The Interior Ministry then called upon all parties to objectively consider the sensitive circumstances which face Egypt at present. This comes at time when a large numbers of activists involved in what is known as “Marching towards the Palestinian territories” was scheduled for May 15, and gained access to the Sinai Peninsula early and ahead of schedule by three days. Local sources estimated the number of activists who arrived at the town of el-Arish to be some 3,000. El-Salam Bridge leading to the city of Rafah witnessed extensive security measures, the proliferation of security patrols and central security cars and the transients are subjected to tight inspection procedures. BM
