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Asharq Al-Awsat
Asharq Al-Awsat
World
Asharq Al-Awsat

Arab World, Int’l Community Express Solidarity with Egypt after Church Fire

14 August 2022, Egypt, Giza: A view of the damage inside the Abu Sifin Coptic church in Giza, after a massive fire broke out during a Sunday service. At least 41 people have died and several were seriously injured after a mass fire broke out at the Coptic church. (dpa)

The death of at least 41 people in a Coptic church fire in Egypt on Sunday was met with an outpouring of condolences and sympathy from the Arab world and international community.

Jordan expressed its “sincere condolences to Egypt over the victims of the painful incident.”

The foreign ministry spokesman expressed Jordan’s sympathy with the government and people of Egypt, wishing the injured a speedy recovery.

The United Arab Emirates expressed its solidarity with Egypt, offering its condolences to the Egyptian government and people.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas sent a cable to his Egyptian counterpart Abdul Fattah al-Sisi to express his sorrow over the incident.

He offered his condolences to the Egyptian government and people.

Bahrain also offered its condolences, saying the kingdom stands by the Egyptian leadership and people.

An electrical fire swept through an Egyptian Coptic Christian church during Mass, causing a stampede and killing at least 41 people, most of them children, security sources said.

The blaze started just before 9 a.m. in the Abu Sifin church in the city of Giza where 5,000 people had gathered.

The fire blocked an entrance to the church, causing the stampede. Most of those killed were children, security sources told Reuters.

In Beirut, parliament Speaker Nabih Berri sent a cable of condolences to Sisi, wishing the wounded a speedy recovery and hoping Egypt witnesses continued security, progress and stability.

He also sent a cable to Pope Tawadros II of the Coptic Church.

Canada’s Ambassador to Egypt Louis Dumas tweeted: “Deepest condolences to all Egyptians mourning the tragedy today at Abu Sifin Church. Our hearts go out to those who lost their loved ones, and our prayers that the injured recover quickly.”

Similar condolences were offered by the embassies of Russia and France in Egypt.

Secretary-General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hissein Brahim Taha, expressed his condolences and sympathy to the people and government of Egypt.

Taha offered his sincere condolences to the families of the victims, wishing a speedy recovery for the injured, stressing the support and solidarity of the OIC with Egypt.

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