Security forces’ attempts to clear state-owned land on El Warraq island in Giza have reportedly resulted in the death of one person there, in a story getting major pickup across both local and international news. The clashes erupted as the security forces moved to clear squatters and illegal building from the area, but were met with heavy resistance. Al Shorouk reports that police officers were injured in the clashes which were followed by a decision to halt the move to clear the settlers off the island indefinitely, according to a Giza governorate source. Prime Minister Sherif Ismail defended the evictions, saying it was the government’s right to seize unlawful developments on illegally occupied land. Ismail issued a decree forming a committee to investigate the events that took place, according to Al Shorouk.

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