Three Israelis Detained in Egypt for Six Months Without Charge

Three young Bedouin men from the Negev region of Israel have been held in Egyptian custody for approximately six months following a trip to Sharm El Sheikh. The men, identified as Bilal Masadiyan Al-Walidi, Bilal Al-Afshak, and Ahmad Adoni, all residents of Ramat Negev, were detained upon their return journey to Israel. Their families have yet to receive clear explanations regarding the charges against them or when they might be released.

The three friends traveled to Sharm El Sheikh for a vacation about half a year ago. Their communication ceased after they reached the Taba border crossing on their way back to Israel. Concerned relatives contacted Salim Danafiri, a tribal leader from Bir Hadaj, who then reached out to Israel's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Israeli embassy in Egypt, and an Egyptian lawyer handling the case. However, Danafiri stated that no clarity has been achieved, reporting, "The parents turn to me for help. I did everything I could, but I couldn't get any information about them."

Danafiri also mentioned that the Egyptian lawyer had advised against publicizing the case to avoid hindering release efforts and subsequently stopped responding to calls. The families harbor fears that the young men might have been kidnapped or framed. They also suspect their detention may have occurred at the Taba crossing, though precise details of the arrest remain unknown to them.

On the evening of September 21st, the families sent an urgent appeal to Foreign Minister Gidon Saar, requesting his personal intervention to ascertain the reasons for their relatives' detention by Egyptian authorities and their current whereabouts.