Infringement on the Sphinx's Territory in Egypt

The Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram has described the construction violations near the pyramids of Egypt as a disaster that must be addressed as soon as possible. The report includes multiple images of buildings constructed near the Pyramid of Khufu, one of the three pyramids, and the Sphinx. Al-Ahram states that these buildings are approximately 100 meters away from the Sphinx. According to the newspaper, in addition to old houses, four new buildings have been constructed near the entrance to the Sphinx area, surrounded by walls. Many historical artifacts and tombs are buried beneath these buildings. Al-Ahram reports that an American archaeological team is set to begin operations in this area soon, and a similar Russian team has also requested excavations in the same region. In following up on the issue, Ashraf Mohiuddin, the official responsible for the historical area of the three pyramids, was asked how the situation in this area has reached such a disaster, to which he replied that they are preparing a report on any violations in this area and that there will be penalties for offenders. He also referred to the demolition of hundreds of buildings in this area that had previously occurred, stating that security agencies and the Ministry of Antiquities have made significant efforts to preserve the area. Al-Ahram writes that according to Law 117, passed in 1982 for the protection of Egypt's antiquities, those who commit construction violations in the vicinity of Khufu and the Sphinx will only be fined 10,000 Egyptian pounds, less than $600, and there is no prison sentence stipulated for offenders in this law. Hussein Abd al-Basir, the former director of the three pyramids area, tells Al-Ahram that according to Law No. 90 approved by the Cabinet and the Law for the Protection of Antiquities, building within less than one kilometer of the three pyramids area is prohibited. He states that this area contains artifacts that are considered human heritage. He adds that the existing buildings in Nazlet al-Samman, a neighborhood near the pyramids, and commercial places close to the Sphinx must all be removed. He describes this area as the most important archaeological site in the world. Hussein Abd al-Basir also emphasizes the need to clear the area of illegal buildings, recommending that this action should be carried out in a way that considers the rights of citizens who have lived in these buildings for years. Years ago, the then Egyptian government proposed that residents of Nazlet al-Samman move to new towns that the government intended to build, but no agreement was reached at that time. Al-Ahram asks whether it is not time for the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities to take serious action to cleanse this historical area of exploiters.