Three Israelis Detained in Egypt for Six Months, Location Unknown

Three Israeli Bedouin citizens from the Negev have been held in Egypt for nearly six months, with their families and lawyers unaware of their exact whereabouts, according to Kan news. Egyptian authorities have not provided clear information on their detention location, and the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been unable to offer answers.

The three men, identified as Blial Massoudian al-Walidi, Bilal al-Afshak, and Ahmad Aduji, traveled to Egypt for a vacation in March. They were apprehended by Egyptian authorities at the Taba border crossing while returning to Israel. Their families maintained contact until shortly before their arrest, after which all communication ceased. The Israeli Foreign Ministry confirmed their detention in Egypt only after their Israeli lawyer initiated inquiries.

Information provided to the families suggests their arrest is not related to criminal offenses but to Egyptian "national security" concerns. However, no details have been released regarding the alleged offenses or any legal proceedings against them. Relatives report being unable to speak with the detainees for six months, their lawyers have not been permitted to meet them, and no Israeli consular visits have occurred.

Egyptian lawyers hired by the families have searched various agencies without success in locating the men. They stated the individuals are not being held by the police. A relative of one of the detainees indicated they are not in any known prison, hospital, or other identified official facility. The families are now protesting the complete uncertainty and urging Israeli authorities to increase their efforts with Cairo.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs acknowledged awareness of the case and stated they are handling it. Egyptian authorities have not issued any official explanation regarding the circumstances of the three Israelis' detention.