Libya's eastern-based parliament has officially approved a 2019 maritime memorandum with Turkey, reigniting tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. The agreement, which outlines maritime boundaries and resource rights, has drawn strong reactions from Egypt, the European Union, and Greece, all of which have rejected the deal. Meanwhile, the United States and Israel have expressed opposition to the agreement, accusing Turkey of undermining regional stability. Egypt, however, has unexpectedly aligned with Turkey, joining Ankara in supporting the deal.
The decision by Libya's eastern parliament has intensified a long-standing dispute over energy resources and maritime borders in the region. The agreement is seen as a challenge to the authority of the internationally recognized Government of National Accord in Tripoli, which has been in power since 2016. The U.S. And Israel have criticized the deal, arguing that it threatens the sovereignty of neighboring nations and destabilizes the region. Egypt's support for Turkey has surprised many observers, as Cairo has previously opposed Ankara's influence in the area.
This development comes amid ongoing efforts to resolve the Libyan conflict and establish a unified government. The Eastern Mediterranean has been a flashpoint for geopolitical tensions, with competing claims over oil and gas reserves. The approval of the Libya-Turkey agreement has deepened divisions among regional powers, complicating diplomatic efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region.
