Egyptian parties, MPs rally behind state after drone-caused vessel fire at Damietta Port

CAIRO – 30 July 2026: Egyptian political parties and lawmakers on Thursday voiced support for the state after a preliminary investigation found a drone caused the vessel fire at Damietta Port.

A fire broke out involving a regasification vessel and a storage vessel at Damietta Port on Wednesday, according to the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources, without causing any casualties.

The Cabinet said on Thursday that a preliminary investigation found a drone caused the fire, adding that further investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and take the necessary measures to safeguard Egypt's interests and national security.

No party immediately claimed responsibility for the incident.

In a statement, the Homat Al Watan Party condemned the targeting of an energy tanker moored at the port, describing the incident as a highly dangerous development.

The party warned that the incident violates Egypt's security and territorial integrity and endangers maritime navigation security and the stability of the entire region.

Homat Al Watan stressed that any assault on Egyptian territory, national facilities or strategic interests constitutes a direct violation of the country's sovereignty and national security, which is “unacceptable and cannot be tolerated.”

The party affirmed its full support for the state and its institutions, particularly the political leadership, which has repeatedly warned of the repercussions of the Iran-Israel war and attempts to widen the scope of the conflict.

It also called for all necessary precautionary measures to safeguard national security and protect the country's sovereignty, in line with the constitution, the law, and the regulations governing state defense.

Political parties and public figures also praised the Cabinet's handling of the incident, saying its statement reflected the state's commitment to transparency.

They said the swift response by state institutions and the clear announcement of the preliminary investigation's findings demonstrated the country's ability to manage crises efficiently.

They also stressed the importance of national unity behind the political leadership, supporting state institutions, and strengthening the role of national media in combating misinformation and raising public awareness.

The Congress Party reaffirmed its full support for the political leadership, emphasizing Egypt's security and stability as a "red line."

The party said any attempts to drag the country into conflicts or undermine its capabilities will fail in the face of strong state institutions and national unity.

The Free Egyptians Party voiced its full authorization for President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi to take all measures he deems necessary to safeguard Egypt's national security and protect the state's capabilities.

The party expressed confidence in the leadership's ability to manage the current developments in a way that safeguards Egypt's security, stability and national interests.

Meanwhile, Al-Waai (Awareness) Party Chairman Basel Adel said Egypt's right to respond to any aggression is undisputed, but stressed that identifying those responsible for the incident remains a priority that requires careful verification.

MP Mostafa El Banna also condemned the use of drones to target maritime navigation, describing it as an unacceptable act aimed at dragging the region into further conflict.

He said Egypt remains resilient against such attempts and emphasized the political leadership is managing national security challenges with wisdom and resolve.

MP Hend Rashad similarly rejected any aggression targeting Egyptian territory or attempts to draw Egypt into regional conflicts.

She stressed that the state possesses the capability and prudence to protect its national security while maintaining its commitment to promoting regional security and stability.