First, the Egyptian government denounces the Israeli attack that killed a number of Egyptian citizens and injured several others and demands an official apology from the Israeli government. It also emphasized that Egypt would not show any leniency in the matter of protecting the lives and rights of its people.
Second, the meeting conveyed its condolences to the families of the soldiers who died while performing their duty of protecting the country's border.
Third, the meeting reaffirmed Egypt's ability to protect its border as well as the land of Sinai, adding that protecting the border is the responsibility of both countries, not Egypt?s alone.
Fourth, it authorized the foreign minister to recall the Israeli ambassador in Cairo and inform him the government's protest and demand a joint investigation into the incident in order to determine the responsibility as well as to take legal measures to protect the rights of Egyptian victims.
Fifth, the meeting urged the citizens and the media to be aware of the danger that threatens national security in Sinai, and said it called for greater unity among all sections of the Egyptian people.
Sixth, it also called for an organization to develop Sinai and solve problems of its people.
Seven, the ministerial committee for crisis management will follow up on the issue continuously. The committee recalled that it was not the first time such Israeli attacks were taking place, encroaching into the Egyptian border.
The Egyptian Cabinet meanwhile decided to withdraw its ambassador in Tel Aviv for consultation.
Popular Egyptian reaction to the incident was vigorous as the public encircled the Israeli Embassy despite the presence of Egyptian security forces deployed to protect the mission. They demanded the Israeli ambassador to leave Cairo immediately.
The crisis escalated after Egyptian security forces entered Sinai after the incident in violation of the Camp David agreement, which the Egyptian people wanted to be nullified. The Egyptians also wanted to cancel all the special rights given to Israel in the tourist areas south of Sinai.
As the anger of Egyptian people on the issue was raging, the US administration issued a statement asking Egypt to maintain security in Sinai in an apparent interference in the affairs of the country. This again angered the youths of Jan. 25 revolution and their next move may further exacerbate the situation.
