Egypt has said that a “technical malfunction” had caused a helicopter for the Multinational Force and Observers to crash in the Sinai on Thursday near the resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh.
An Egyptian Foreign Ministry statement expressed condolences to the countries of the victims after seven members of the peacekeeper force - five Americans, a French national and a Czech national – died in the crash.
It also wished a speedy recovery for one American MFO member who survived and was medically evacuated.
Jonathan Cohen, the US ambassador to Egypt, paid tribute to the victims.
They "epitomized the noble spirit of preserving peace between our partners Israel and Egypt,” said the diplomat.
“Our deepest condolences to their families and the MFO. We will remember their sacrifice and service in the name of peace,” he added in a tweet.
