The Chamber of Commerce in North Sinai, headed by Abdullah Qandil, has called for an end to the curfew in the province.
During a meeting on Thursday, attended by the head of divisions as well as political and popular figures, the chamber tackled the negative impact the imposed curfew has had on the cities of Arish, Sheikh Zuwaid and Rafah since October 25, and has demanded it not be extended.
In a statement issued after the meeting, the chamber said, “The curfew has negatively affected the flow of goods to and from the governorate, which affects the citizens' needs. We all support national security as well as the fighting of terrorism, however, the curfew hampers all categories and has become a penalty for Sinai residents.”
It added that April 25 is the end of the curfew and that residents will not accept its renewal, regardless of the consequences. Residents will celebrate the liberation of Sinai, which will coincide with the end of the curfew.
Former chief of the Nasser Military Academy Major General Ahmed Youssef Abdel Naby has nonetheless said that eliminating the curfew will depend on security services, adding that he supports the extension of the curfew because of the continued threat to security there.
Edited translation from Al-Masry Al-Youm
