Egypt Recalls Ambassador From Israel

Nov. 21 -- Egypt recalled its ambassador from Israel today, citing what it called Israeli aggression against Palestinians in nearly two months of deadly clashes.

Egypt’s action was its strongest protest to date againstIsrael’s handling of a Palestinian revolt in which at least 246 people, most of them Palestinians, have been killed.

“President [Hosni] Mubarak issued instructions for therecall of Ambassador [Mohammed] Bassiouni to Cairo immediately because of Israel’s escalating aggression against Palestinians and excessive use of force against the Palestinian people,” the official Middle East News Agency said.

The move followed overnight Israeli missile strikes onPalestinian targets in the Gaza Strip that were launched inreprisal for a bomb blast that killed two Israeli adults and wounded several settler school children on Monday.

MENA quoted Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa as saying he would consult Bassiouni on the “deteriorating situation” in Palestinian-ruled areas. It said Bassiouni would remain in Cairo for some time and gave no date for his return to Tel Aviv.

In recent weeks, Mubarak took the initiative, against much Arab pressure, to host the Sharm-el-Sheikh summit together with President Clinton and other world leaders. Although the summit did end in an agreement to cease fire, it has done little to curb the violence in the region.

Palestinians Hail Decision

Monday night’s retaliatory bombing of targets in the Gaza Strip by Israel appears to have been the final straw, forcing Egypt’s government to heed the growing tide of anger which has also led to massive demonstrations on the streets of Cairo.

In Gaza City, a senior Palestinian official hailed Egypt’s decision.

“We appreciate Egypt’s move. This is a critical message tothe Arab nations, to the United States and to the international community that Israel has to pay the price of its aggression,” said Palestinian Cabinet minister Hassan Asfour.