Latest news with #AhmedMoussa
Middle East Eye
3 days ago
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Prominent Egyptian TV host says Gaza-bound convoy a 'ploy to embarrass' the country
Ahmed Moussa, a prominent pro-government presenter in Egypt, has taken to social media in criticism of a grassroots convoy heading towards Gaza in an attempt to break Israel's siege on the Palestinian enclave, calling the effort a "ploy to embarrass Egypt". The Sumud Convoy - which means steadfastness in Arabic - started in Tunisia this week, with thousands of volunteers from Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, Morocco and Algeria. Organisers say they are aiming to raise international awareness about the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave and deliver aid to what the UN has called the "hungriest place on earth". The convoy is projected to reach Cairo by Thursday, though Egyptian officials have yet to authorise its entry into the Sinai Peninsula, where the Rafah crossing to Gaza is located. While the volunteers have received widespread praise and celebration along their journey on the North African coast, some pro-government figures in Egypt claim the plan is a "political scheme" by people affiliated with the Muslim Brotherhood, which is outlawed in Egypt - labelling it an "anti-Egyptian establishment", as opposed to a pro-Palestinian, effort. One of the loudest critics of the movement is television personality Moussa, who took to X, formerly Twitter, to accuse the convoy of being a "well-planned setup" to cast Egypt in a negative light with regards to the Palestinian cause. New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters "Everyone must be vigilant to confront this trap that aims to put Egypt in a very embarrassing position, whether it allows the entry or prevents the convoy, and the repercussions of what may happen and the campaigns prepared in advance against the Egyptian state," he said in a post on Tuesday, adding that it was "strange" that the organisers did not choose an "easier and shorter sea route". عندهم البحر المتوسط وسواحلهم والمياه الدولية وينطلقوا منها الى غزة. غير كده غير مسموح. مصر لن تكون ارضا للفوضى مصر دولة لها سياده وعلى الجميع ان يحترمها ولن نسمح لأى تهديد لأمننا. ودا حق شرعى لنا. — القَاَئِد عَبْداللّه ◼️◾▪️ (@alqaeed36) June 10, 2025 Translation: They have the Mediterranean Sea, their coasts, and international waters to launch from to Gaza. Anything beyond that is not allowed. Egypt will not be a land of chaos. Egypt is a sovereign state, and everyone must respect that. We will not allow any threat to our security. This is our legitimate right. "Will the convoy save Gaza or is its goal media hype? The issue is not easy but rather carefully planned and the goal is to embarrass Egypt and not Israel," he continued. His sentiment was echoed by other pro-government voices on social media, who accused the convoy volunteers of being "actors", 'exploit[ing] the Palestinian cause', and posing a national security threat. دا مخطط له من دواعش الإخوان لإدخال مصر في مواجهة مع امريكا و النيل من سمعتها. على مصر التعامل بحزم و لي عايز يروح غزة عندهم البحر أو على الأقل التنسيق مع البلد الممر و ليس من هب و دب يدخل. — ❤️🇲🇦 سارة 🇸🇦❤️🇦🇪 (@Schauer100) June 10, 2025 Translation: This is a plot by the Muslim Brotherhood's ISIS members to pit Egypt against America and tarnish its reputation. Egypt must deal firmly, and anyone who wants to go to Gaza can go to the sea, or at least coordinate with the transit country, so that anyone who wants to go can't enter. Another prominent presenter, Hossam al-Ghamry, said the convoy was a "clear ploy" by the Muslim Brotherhood in a series of posts on X. "If the convoy reaches the borders with Gaza, it will force [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu to occupy Sinai to secure his borders and expel Palestinians into Egypt," he said. 'We wish the heroes safety' Many Egyptians on social media have countered these posts with comments voicing their support for the movement. Several people commented directly under Moussa's post, calling the land route the "logical" and "most appropriate" route given that Gaza would not be able to receive international ships. Others countered the claims that the convoy was a publicity stunt. بناءا على تغريدة هالعرص الأمنجي فالنظام المصير ممانع لدخول القافلة — Suhayb (@ThisIsSuhayb) June 10, 2025 Translation: Based on this security official's tweet, the regime is preventing the convoy from entering. One Facebook user commented: "the convoy includes doctors and elderly men and women that do not care for the media but are trying to do what they can". Some users were more harsh in their criticism. "The regime's mouthpiece claims that the land convoy is a trap set to put Egypt in an embarrassing position," said one user. "We wish the heroes of the convoy safety until they reach Gaza. And they bring in the aid piled up in Rafah." Others argued that Moussa's post was an indication that the Egyptian goverment would block the convoy. The volunteers for the Sumud convoy, led by the Joint Action for Palestine, reportedly include trade union and political figures, as well as human rights activists, athletes, lawyers, doctors, journalists and members of youth organisations. The group is part of the larger Global March to Gaza movement, which includes approximately 2,000 to 3,000 activists from around 50 countries who are expected to fly into Cairo on 12 June. Both the activists and volunteers on the Sumud convoy are expected to coordinate to march to the Rafah crossing together, a move they hope will pressure the international community to force Israel to end the bombardment and siege of Gaza, which has killed over 55,000 Palestinians and wounded over 127,000 more.
Iraqi News
29-05-2025
- Business
- Iraqi News
Ministry of Electricity Announces Imminent Contracts with Saudi and Emirati Companies to Establish Five Solar Power Stations
The Ministry of Electricity announced on Thursday that it is close to signing contracts with two companies—one Saudi and the other Emirati—to construct five solar power stations. It also noted that the Gulf electricity interconnection project has reached 93% completion. The official spokesperson for the Ministry, Ahmed Moussa, told the Iraqi News Agency (INA), 'The current crisis affecting electricity supply is now recognized by all parties—government, parliament, and citizens alike—as being largely due to the significant reduction in imported gas supplies. While some power stations operate on domestic gas or fuel, others rely on imported gas, specifically from Iran. The sharp drop in Iranian gas supplies has led to the shutdown of several generation units, weakening the electricity grid, especially during this period of rising temperatures and increased demand.' He added, 'The Ministry has lost nearly 4,000 megawatts of production capacity. This loss significantly affects electricity supply hours. Although the Ministry had adequately prepared its stations and generation units, the current challenges stem from fuel shortages. The government and Ministry have long considered alternative solutions, including diversifying gas sources.' Moussa stated that the current electricity production stands at approximately 23,000 megawatts, while the loss caused by the gas shortage is around 4,000 megawatts. 'If sufficient fuel were available, the system could potentially reach a load capacity of 27,000 megawatts,' he said. 'Supply hours vary by province, area, fuel availability, temperature, and the efficiency of distribution networks, which has led to disparities in electricity supply even within the same province.' He emphasized that the Ministry is committed to distributing electricity fairly but is constrained by external factors that disrupt station operations. 'Over the past 18 months, the Ministry signed a gas supply agreement with Turkmenistan, providing for the delivery of 20 million cubic meters in summer and 10 million in winter via Iranian territory. However, due to U.S. sanctions on Iran, the Trade Bank of Iraq was unable to open letters of credit and transfer funds to the Turkmen side.' Moussa also stated that 'the four power lines with Iran were halted on January 8 due to sanctions, causing a loss of over 1,000 megawatts, significantly affecting provinces such as Diyala, particularly the districts of Al-Khalis and Khanaqin.' He added that 'the interconnection with Jordan is now operational, with increased electricity transfer based on directives from the Prime Minister. The connection with Turkey is also online, currently supplying 300 megawatts, with plans to increase this to 600 megawatts by mid-next month.' He further noted, 'The interconnection with the Gulf, via Kuwait, has reached 93% completion, and in the near future, it will be finalized, allowing Basra province to receive electricity through this link.' Regarding renewable energy initiatives, Moussa stated: 'The government has taken significant steps to diversify energy sources, including the use of renewable and solar energy, and even waste-to-energy solutions. The Ministry is currently working with major companies to construct solar power plants in Basra, Muthanna, Karbala, Babil, and Dhi Qar. ' He added, 'The Ministry is close to signing a contract with Saudi Arabia's ACWA Power to build a 1,000-megawatt solar plant in Najaf. It is also negotiating with the UAE's Masdar to establish four additional solar plants with a total capacity of 1,000 megawatts. Another key project involves converting 534 government buildings to solar power, starting with the Government Palace, as directed by the Prime Minister. This will reduce the burden on the grid and ensure self-sufficiency for these institutions.' Finally, Moussa said: 'A third initiative involves the Central Bank and local banks offering small loans to citizens for the purchase of solar power systems. The Ministry has approved certain companies after reviewing technical and commercial proposals. Citizens can now obtain solar systems through these companies using low-interest loans. While the interest rate was previously 8%, it has been reduced to 2.5%, and the repayment period extended from four to seven years. These measures represent significant government support to ease the pressure on the national grid and promote renewable energy adoption.'
