Cancellation of maritime border accord that would have ceded control of two islands is a setback for Egypt’s president.

…Cairo has controlled the two islands since a transfer of power by Saudi Arabia in 1950, amid fears of confrontation with neighbouring Israel. Egypt’s blockade of the Strait of Tiran in 1967 is considered one of the main triggers of the six-day war.

News of the deal in April sparked the largest street protests in Egypt since a law effectively banning protest came into place in November 2013. More than 250 people were detained in protests against the deal on 25 April, with more than 150 of these later given prison sentences of between two and five years. While overtly organised to protest the islands transfer, the protests also served as a broad base for anti-government feeling.

Egyptian court quashes deal to transfer Red Sea islands to Saudi Arabia | World news | The Guardian

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