October 6 marks 48th anniversary of Egypt’s Glorious October 1973 Victory

CAIRO – 6 October 2021: Israel captured the Sinai Peninsula, Gaza Strip, West Bank, Old City of Jerusalem, and the Golan Heights in the Six-Day War that began on June 5, 1967.

On October 6, 1973 at 2:00 p.m. (Cairo time) the Egyptian Armed Forces launched its war against the Israeli troops bringing down Bar Lev Line (a series of fortifications). 

As a result, the Israeli troops were forced to retreat 15 kilometers eastern the Suez Canal; meanwhile, Syrian troops waged the war near Golan Heights against the Israeli troops.

The war that lasted for almost two weeks paved the way for negotiations that gave rise to the Peace Treaty between Israel and Egypt in 1979, and the liberation of entire Sinai, except for Taba which was recovered by Egypt through international arbitration in 1989. 

Egypt’s Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli announced Thursday, October 7, as a public holiday on the occasion of the anniversary of the 6th of October War victory.

The decision applies to ministries, governmental bodies, public facilities, municipalities, public enterprises and public business sector companies.

On Sunday, Minister of Defense and Military Production Mohamed Zaki sent a cable of greetings to President Abdel Fattah el Sisi on the occasion of the 48th anniversary of October war victory.

In his cable, the defense minister said this glorious victory would remain a source of Egyptians' pride for their Armed Forces that are ready to defend the nation and thwart any attempts to jeopardize the country's security and stability.

Chief of Staff Lt. General Mohamed Farid sent a similar cable to President Sisi.

The defense minister and chief of staff also greeted army personnel and those who take part in UN peacekeeping missions on this anniversary.