CAIRO — What if Egyptians woke up in the morning to breaking news that Egypt’s national antiquities were being sold at international auctions?

“Would you agree on selling Egyptian artifacts to foreign countries as a means to solve the country's economic crisis?” This question was posted March 23 on the official Facebook page of the TV show "Al-Howar Mostamer," which airs on a station owned by Ahmed Abu Hashima, a businessman affiliated with the ruling regime. The question caused a huge public response.

The Facebook post called on Egyptian social media users to give their opinion on the matter, sparking an extensive attack, especially since this issue is being discussed in tandem with the agreement on maritime border demarcation that transferred the ownership of Tiran and Sanafir islands to Saudi Arabia.

This wasn't all. On March 29, in an article published on the United Arab Emirates' The National news website, US economist Patrick Werr said, “Egypt is overflowing with antiquities. … Why not package up some of these artifacts and organize their sale to foreigners or Egyptians …? The government could add tens of millions of dollars to its coffers each year.”