Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawas, a former Minister of Antiquities, talked about a plaque in the Egyptian Museum called "Merit-Ptah," which is referred to as the Israel plaque. He pointed out, according to Egyptian media, that it contains a text from a poet praising Merit-Ptah, stating that "you are the greatest of kings," and it concludes with a mention that the people of Israel were destroyed and their seed ended. Hawas added, during television statements: "Most modern archaeologists have said that the word Israel is a mistake, but if it is correct, then when did the Hebrews come to Egypt? Who was the Pharaoh of the Exodus? Who is our Master Moses? We do not have any archaeological evidence, and this is my response to what Israel says that I lie and hate Israel." The famous Egyptian archaeologist Zahi Hawas had previously confirmed that there is no evidence of an Israeli presence in Egypt, noting that there are no papyrus documents discussing the Children of Israel in Egypt.