Sisi's request for Saudi defense mandate prompts Egypt's parliament to schedule Sunday session

Egypt's parliament has scheduled a plenary session for Sunday in response to President Sisi's request for a mandate to defend Saudi Arabia if it asks.

• Egypt's House of Representatives has notified members of a plenary session at 1:00 p.m. on Sunday, October 18, following President Sisi's request.
• Sisi called on parliament to grant him a mandate to take action to protect and defend Saudi Arabia if it requests Egypt's help.
• Sisi said the move is defensive only, not an attack, and that Egypt will implement any measure to protect Saudi Arabia.
• Sisi urged parties in the Gulf to stop the war and extinguish the fighting.
• Speaking at a military academy graduation ceremony, Sisi said Egypt would act in line with directives from King Salman and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
• The General Federation of Egyptian Trade Unions issued a statement endorsing Sisi's request for parliamentary authorization, citing interlinked Arab security.