Dominating the international conversation on Egypt this morning: Three Israeli soldiers and one Egyptian officer were shot dead in a security incident at a guard post on the Egypt-Israel border on Saturday morning, the Egyptian and Israeli militaries said yesterday. A spokesperson for the Israeli Defense Forces said the fire came for an Egyptian policeman, while the Egyptian Armed Forces said the officer who crossed the border was chasing suspected narcotics smugglers. Egyptian Defense Minister Mohamed Zaki offered his condolences during a phone call with the Israeli defense minister yesterday, and both discussed putting in place measures to prevent future shooting incidents at the border, the Egyptian Armed Forces said.

The news is everywhere:Associated Press | Reuters | AFP | Financial Times | New York Times | Washington Post | The National | BBC | NBC News.

Egyptian migrants held in Libya: Thousands of largely Egyptian migrants have been detained during raids on trafficking warehouses in eastern Libya, according to the Associated Press. Libya is attempting to stem the flow of human traffickers who smuggle migrants from the country to Europe via the Mediterranean Sea by boat. More than 6k migrants are believed to be held by Libyan authorities, activist groups estimate, the majority of which are Egyptian nationals who have been taken to the Musaid crossing point with Egypt to await their deportation home.

Also making headlines:

  • “Khamasin” season comes with a death toll: Thursday’s powerful sandstorm killed at least four people and forced the authorities to close the ports of Suez and Zaitiyat on the Red Sea. (The National)
  • Egyptian graphic novelist Deena Mohamed talks about her journey to international prominence following the publication of Shubeik Lubeik. (The Irish Times)
  • Pets are now a luxury for many: The rising cost of living in Egypt is driving many people to give up their pets as they struggle to afford to feed them. (Al Monitor)
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