There is increasing concern in Egypt about the escalation of violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As a result Egypt's president has sent an urgent letter to President Bush. The voices of concern regarding the situation in the Middle East are growing in volume. There is deep concern about the potential for violence to spread throughout the region.
Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak believes the situation could become in his words, "very grave," and he has sent an urgent letter to U.S. President George Bush explaining his concerns. Mr. Mubarak says the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is deteriorating and could lead to an escalation of hostilities throughout the Middle East.
In 1979, Egypt became the first Arab nation to sign a peace treaty with Israel. Nevertheless, Mr. Mubarak has sharply criticized Israel's handling of the Palestinian uprising against Israeli occupation that began last September. Egypt has withdrawn its ambassador from Tel Aviv in protest of what it called Israel's excessive use of force.
So far there is no word from the White House regarding Mr. Mubarak's letter or reaction to its contents.