Three Negev Youths Held in Egypt for Months on National Security Charges

Three young men from Israel's Negev region, who lost contact with their families in March, have been detained in Egypt for approximately six months, according to an Israeli report. Their families were informed that the detention is not related to criminal matters but to issues concerning "Egyptian national security." The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation (Kan 11) identified the youths as Bilal Hassan Masoudin Al-Walidi, Bilal Salam Al-Afshak, and Ahmed Odeh Al-Duji. They traveled to Egypt in March and communication ceased shortly thereafter.

Families have been unable to contact their sons or arrange visits for their lawyers. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed to the families' legal representatives that the youths are indeed being held in Egypt. However, the families report that they have received no information on whether the young men have appeared in court, nor have they received any consular visits from Israel. Lawyers have reportedly received no response from Egyptian authorities regarding the youths' whereabouts, and their names have not been found in known police, prison, or hospital detention facilities.

One relative stated that no Egyptian entity has claimed custody of the youths, and the lack of official statements or media coverage in Egypt adds to the mystery surrounding their detention. The Israeli Foreign Ministry acknowledged awareness and engagement with the case, while Egyptian authorities have not issued any official comment.

Previously, the families reported that the youths left the Negev on March 20 for Sharm El Sheikh and disappeared on the second day of Eid al-Fitr. Hotel staff had informed them that Egyptian police and intelligence took the young men from their accommodation. The families had appealed to both Egyptian and Israeli authorities for information but received no clear answers regarding their location or the reasons for their detention, urging for their disclosure, contact with relatives, and legal assistance.