The passage of an Israeli warship through the Suez Canal has ignited a wave of controversy on social media in Egypt, leading to protests in Cairo. Tensions escalated after images emerged showing the Egyptian flag flying alongside the Israeli flag on the vessel, provoking outrage among demonstrators.
Protesters expressed their solidarity with the Palestinian and Lebanese people, calling for the occupation’s ships to be barred from navigating the canal. Their anger was further fueled by the sight of both flags displayed together, which they interpreted as a betrayal.
In response to the uproar, the Suez Canal Authority emphasised its commitment to “international agreements guaranteeing freedom of navigation for all vessels, whether commercial or military, without discrimination based on nationality.”
However, many Egyptians voiced their concerns about the appropriateness of allowing warships to pass during wartime as a gesture of solidarity.
One social media user explained that displaying both flags is standard practice for vessels entering or exiting a foreign canal, strait, or port, intended as a mark of respect and compliance with local regulations. They described the scene as entirely customary and devoid of political significance.
