The majority of MPs in Egyptian Parliament has voted in favor of the extension of the state of emergency in North Sinai for three months starting 30 January, during a parliamentary session on Monday.
The state of emergency was first implemented by a presidential decree issued in October 2014. Curfew hours have been imposed on residents.
Unrest escalated in North Sinai following the ouster of former president Mohamed Morsi. The clashes between the armed forces and Islamic State-affiliated factions have increased ever since, especially in Al-Arish and Sheikh Zuwaid cities.