Egypt Jails Israelis After Fatal Taba Hotel Brawl

Two Arab-Israeli tourists were sentenced to five years in prison by an Egyptian court for violently assaulting hotel staff in the Red Sea resort town of Taba in August, an incident that resulted in the death of one hotel employee and serious injuries to others. The dispute began when the tourists refused to pay for alcoholic beverages, arguing their stay was all-inclusive, which hotel management disputed. The confrontation escalated into a brawl involving wooden and metal sticks and caused property damage estimated at 35,000 Egyptian pounds ($1,130). Videos of the incident spread widely on social media, amplifying public outrage in Egypt and reflecting sensitivities over Israeli tourism during heightened regional tensions linked to Israel's war in Gaza. The case has highlighted the complexities Egypt faces in managing tourism, public sentiment, and diplomatic relations with Israel. Israeli officials and the families of the convicted have not commented publicly.