Wednesday, 27 May 2026
Anger in Egypt after call for protest outside Cairo’s Embassy in Tel Aviv
A call for a protest outside the Egyptian Embassy in Tel Aviv has sparked a wave of anger and ridicule across Egypt. The proposed demonstration, announced by Sheikh Nidal Abu Shaikha, head of the Federation of Mosque Imams in Palestinian territories inside Israel, drew wide criticism after the news circulated on social media.
The planned protest, which aims to condemn Egypt’s closure of its border with Gaza and alleged prevention of aid deliveries, was met with disbelief and scorn by many Egyptians. Critics emphasized the irony of calling for a protest against Egypt from within Israel – on Israeli territory and under the Israeli flag – at a time when Egypt is actively working to mediate and stop the ongoing violence in Gaza.
One Egyptian activist commented sarcastically, “Israel is now organizing a protest in front of the Egyptian embassy in Tel Aviv to criticize Egypt for the blockade of Gaza. There’s an old joke about a cross-eyed man who buried his mother when his father died, but what’s happening now in Israel is not even a joke – it’s exactly what’s happening.”
Another activist wrote, “Have you ever seen anything more audacious? The Muslim Brotherhood is organizing a protest in front of Egypt’s embassy in Tel Aviv for Gaza. This is not a joke. It’s not Israel, who is besieging Gaza, but Egypt, who works day and night to help Gaza, being protested against.”
Against this backdrop, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi addressed the Egyptian people and the world on the situation in Gaza. President Sisi reiterated Egypt’s ongoing efforts since October 7, in cooperation with partners from Qatar and the United States, focusing on three main goals: achieving a ceasefire, allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza, and working for the release of hostages.
President Sisi stressed the importance of understanding Egypt’s consistent stance on the war in Gaza, emphasizing, “I am speaking now, especially at this moment, because there are many rumors. It is important for people to be reminded of the positive positions and our call for ending the war, reaching a two-state solution, and achieving a peaceful resolution to the Palestinian issue.”
The controversy highlights the complex dynamics surrounding the Gaza crisis and the pressures faced by Egypt, as it tries to balance humanitarian, political, and security responsibilities in a region facing extraordinary challenges.