After Israel's Anger Over the Sinai Train.. Egyptian Minister: "Why Are You Upset, We Fired at You!"

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Minister of Transport Kamel El-Wazir confirmed that the project to develop the railway line from Al-Arish to Taba is part of the state's comprehensive efforts to develop the Sinai Peninsula and effectively reintegrate it into the national transport network that connects it to all parts of the republic.

The Egyptian minister emphasized in statements to his country's official television yesterday, Wednesday, that Egypt's implementation of railway projects on its territory is an exercise of its legitimate right to development, and there is no aggression against anyone.

In response to the anger of the Israelis regarding the railway lines in Sinai, he said: "Why are they upset? Did we go and do something in their territory? This is our land, and we have the right to develop it... Is the train shooting bullets?".

The Minister of Transport explained that the state is exercising its legitimate right to develop its national lands and improve its infrastructure for the benefit of its people, pointing out that during his tenure as head of the Engineering Authority of the Armed Forces, the state implemented similar projects such as digging the new Suez Canal and constructing tunnels under the canal, which contributed to linking Sinai with the homeland, alongside the establishment of a modern road network.

He added that these projects have brought Sinai back to the forefront of national development priorities, and have enhanced the sense of belonging and integration with the homeland among modern generations.

He added that after taking over the Ministry of Transport, and under the directives of President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and in cooperation with government agencies, they succeeded in restarting the Sinai train via the Al-Fardan Bridge line, which is a pivotal step in supporting comprehensive development efforts in the region.

He pointed out that the Arish - Taba line will contribute to revitalizing economic activity in Sinai by providing a direct link between the Arish port on the Mediterranean Sea and the Taba port on the Red Sea, allowing for the transport of goods and facilitating intra-Arab trade, as well as accommodating trade flows coming from India and China through the Gulf countries.

He stated that this line will form a new logistical corridor that transports trade through Aqaba and Taba reaching Arish, emphasizing that railways are dedicated tools for construction and development, and for transporting passengers and goods, not for military operations.

The project to establish a railway network in Sinai has sparked rising waves of controversy and concern within Israeli media and political circles.

According to Hebrew media reports, Tel Aviv views the 500-kilometer railway project extending from Al-Fardan to Al-Arish and Taba as a transformation that goes beyond the limits of civil development, claiming that it carries dimensions that enhance military logistical capabilities and the rapid transport of supplies during times of crises, linking it to the expansions of Al-Arish port and airport.

In contrast, Egyptian authorities assert that the comprehensive development of Sinai is a legitimate sovereign right within its national borders to connect the region with the valley and change the demographic map. The Ministry of Transport clarified that the railway line primarily aims to connect industrial complexes and mining areas with seaports and the national transport network to facilitate international and regional trade, as the first sector between Al-Fardan and Bir Al-Abd, spanning 100 kilometers, has already been developed and operated, with work continuing to extend the line eastward and southward.

Egyptian experts and military personnel have refuted the claims of Israeli media, confirming in previous statements to "Al-Arabiya.net" and "Al-Hadath.net" that these are attempts to mislead public opinion domestically and justify unfounded fears before the Israeli public.

Experts explained that the development of Sinai and its connection to the valley represents Cairo's primary strategic option to protect its eastern borders and establish stability; as the development of the region and the construction of its infrastructure cut off any future ambitions, emphasizing that Egypt continues to implement its developmental and reform plans without paying attention to these repeated complaints.