Egypt says citizen who crossed into Israel 'psychologically unstable'; efforts underway to return him

By Hussien Elkabany and Serdar Dincel

CAIRO/ISTANBUL (AA) - An Egyptian citizen who was detained by the Israeli military after crossing the border fence into Israel was “psychologically unstable,” Egyptian authorities said Tuesday.

In a statement issued hours after the Israeli military announced the detention, Egypt's Foreign Ministry said efforts were underway for his return.

“Relevant national authorities determined that he had been missing from his home since July and was psychologically unstable,” it said.

Earlier Tuesday, the Israeli military said it detained an Egyptian who allegedly crossed the border fence in the Nitzana area.

“During the night, military observation posts spotted an Egyptian citizen crossing the border fence from Egyptian territory into Israeli territory in the Nitzana area,” it said, adding that the man was transferred for further questioning.

Egyptian and Israeli authorities revealed no further details.