Israel warship travels through Egypt’s Suez Canal

A video capturing the passage of an Israeli warship through the Suez Canal has sparked controversy on social media in Egypt, and led to protests in the capital, Cairo. Their anger was raised after images showed the Egyptian flag raised over the vessel along with the Israeli one.

Demonstrators declared their solidarity with the people of Palestine and Lebanon and called for the “occupation’s ships” not to be allowed passage through the waterway.

⚡️BREAKING: Egyptians are currently gathering and protesting in central Cairo in solidarity with Lebanon and Palestine, and in opposition to Israeli ships passing through the Suez Canal.

“He said, ‘They call it Constantinople… you’ve dragged us into the mud.’” pic.twitter.com/W5qku179qL

— Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) November 3, 2024

The Suez Canal Authority responded by reaffirming its adherence to “international agreements guaranteeing freedom of navigation for all vessels, whether commercial or military, without discrimination based on nationality.”

Egyptians, however, highlighted that warships could be prohibited during wartime as an act of solidarity. Additionally, they voiced frustration over the display of the Egyptian flag alongside the Israeli flag on the ship.

One social media user remarked that displaying both flags is standard practice for vessels entering or leaving a foreign canal, strait, or port as a mark of respect and adherence to local regulations, describing the scene as “entirely customary and devoid of political significance.”

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