(Photo by Nasser Al-Azzazy)
By Nasser Al-Azazi
Unknown assailants attempted to assassinate Eissa Al-Kharafin, 68, a previous member of the People’s Assembly representing the city of Rafah, and prominent figure within the North Sinai Al-Ramilat tribe.
Security sources and eye witnesses stated that the assailants opened fire on Al-Kharafin while he was travelling in a private vehicle near the Police Officer’s Club in Al-Arish, located along the city’s international coastal road. He was immediately transferred to the Al-Arish hospital to receive treatment, with his state being described as critical.
A medical source stated that after receiving initial treatment, Al-Kharafin was then transferred via a military plane to an armed forces hospital located in Cairo. His state was described as particularly critical, due to a bullet which remained lodged in his neck.
Al-Kharafin is one of the most senior members of parliament from North Sinai and is known for his support for the Egyptian Armed Forces.
Armed militants previously assassinated former Shura Council member Abdel Hamid Selmi, of the National Democratic Party, last Ramadan.
