Parliament approves Sinai's state of emergency

Egypt's House of Representatives on Tuesday approved a presidential decree declaring a state of emergency in some areas of North Sinai.

As many as 340 MPs approved the decree to provide the majority required for passing it.

After voting, House Speaker Ali Abdel Aal announced the parliament's approval of Presidential Decree No. 187 for 2016 by declaring a state of emergency in specific areas in North Sinai and sending a report of the parliamentary general committee to the government to take necessary measures regarding its recommendations.

These recommendations include providing residents with the necessary basics, such as food, shelter, and health care, according to a release from the parliament's media office Sunday.

The state of emergency is a viable means of ensuring security and combating terrorism, but the government should take a package of measures that contribute to ease the impact of the declaration of a state of emergency in North Sinai, the statement added.

Earlier, Prime Minister Sherif Ismail delivered a speech before the House of Representatives explaining that providing security for citizens and for development projects is the reason behind the most recent extension of the state of emergency in North Sinai.

Source: MENA