Israeli Politicians, Diplomats Send Condolences to Egypt After Coptic Church Bombings

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Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi declared three days of nationwide mourning following the bombings and said a three-month state of emergency would come into force once legal and constitutional measures have been completed.

Initial reports about the Alexandria suicide bomber said he was known as Abu Ishaq Al-Masri.

Egypt yesterday imposed a three-month state of emergency and ordered the military to protect vital infrastructure after the Islamic State terror group targeted two minority Coptic Christian churches in powerful bombings, killing at least 45 people and wounding more than 100 others. It also warned of more to come, part of its strategy - akin to its targeting of Shia minorities in Iraq and elsewhere - to fuel sectarian conflict; in this case between Egypt's majority Sunni population and its nine million Copts.

"As we celebrate Palm Sunday today and Christ's entry into Jerusalem, we now also mark the entry of those who have passed today into the heavenly Jerusalem", Bishop Angaelos said.

El-Sissi called for the state of emergency, which parliament must approve first, after a meeting with his national security council on Sunday.

Funerals were also held Monday afternoon in Alexandria for two policewomen killed in the suicide attack.

Inspite of a presence dating back to the Roman era, the community feels increasingly ostracized and has repeatedly been targeted in attacks, including by Islamic State, which claimed responsibility for Sunday's bombings.

Security cameras showed this suicide bomber outside St. Mark's Cathedral in the coastal city of Alexandria before he killed 11 people.

Egypt's parliament approves three-month state of emergency
Sisi's proposal was unanimously approved by the country's parliament on Tuesday (11 April) and will last for three months. President, that you have a great friend and ally in the United States and in me".

Hospitals in the area were running out of blood just hours after the attack in Tanta that left 27 dead and 78 others wounded after a bomb went off at St. George Church, according to Al Arabiya Net. "We entrust all those who suffer and who have perished into the arms of the crucified and Risen Christ", he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump spoke on the phone Sunday with Sissi to offer condolences to the families who lost their loved ones.

"So sad to hear of the terrorist attack in Egypt. U.S. strongly condemns".

Egyptian officials denounced the attack as an attempt to sow divisions in the country, while Francis sent his "deep condolences" to Coptic Christian Pope Tawadros II.

The liberal Egyptian Social Democratic party said the state of emergency could make things worse.

"The powers that the security agencies have already don't need reinforcement by the state of emergency", Abdel-Aziz said.

ISIS's latest attacks on Egypt's Christians occurred less than three weeks before Pope Francis's April 28-29 visit to Egypt, and doubtless were meant to send a message to the Vatican.

Meanwhile, Israel closed the Taba border that leads to the Sinai peninsula on Monday, amid warning by its anti-terrorism office of an "imminent" attack.

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