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Azhar Celebrates Easter with Copts, Criticizes Use of Religion in Fueling Conflicts

Egyptian President Sisi (C) and Coptic Christian Pope Tawadros II (C-L) during Christmas celebration at the St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo on January 6, 2016 (AFP)
Egyptian President Sisi (C) and Coptic Christian Pope Tawadros II (C-L) during Christmas celebration at the St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo on January 6, 2016 (AFP)
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Azhar Celebrates Easter with Copts, Criticizes Use of Religion in Fueling Conflicts

Egyptian President Sisi (C) and Coptic Christian Pope Tawadros II (C-L) during Christmas celebration at the St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo on January 6, 2016 (AFP)
Egyptian President Sisi (C) and Coptic Christian Pope Tawadros II (C-L) during Christmas celebration at the St. Mark's Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Cairo on January 6, 2016 (AFP)

Security forces intensified their security measures around churches as Coptic Christians in Egypt prepared for Easter celebrations.

The Al-Azhar took part in the celebrations, underlining coexistence and brotherhood in the country and criticizing the exploitation of religion in fueling wars and conflicts.

Prime Minister Mustafa Madbouli sent a cable to Pope Tawadros II of Alexandria and Patriarch of Saint Marks Diocese on Saturday, in which he promoted peace among Egyptians.

Pope Tawadros led the Easter Mass at the Coptic Orthodox Cathedral in Abbassiya in eastern Cairo. A representative of President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and several ministers, ambassadors, statesmen, lawmakers and public figures attended the event.

An Azhar source told Asharq Al-Awsat that the amicable and mutual visits between Muslims and Christians stem from the guidelines of Islam. The source added that Azhar teaches its students that “all Abrahamic religions have one divine source and all prophets are brothers.”

Pope Tawadros received on Saturday Al-Azhar Grand Imam Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb, along with Minister of Religious Endowments Mohamed Mokhtar Gomaa and Grand Mufti Shawki Allam who congratulated him on the Easter holiday.

Tayyeb stressed that Egypt’s values of coexistence reflect the real meanings of religions that have brought peace to their followers.

Religions, however, are being abused to fuel wars and conflicts around the world, he said, referring to recent deadly attacks targeting mosques and churches in New Zealand and Sri Lanka respectively.

In 2017, two bloody attacks targeted two churches in Tanta and Alexandria that left 160 people dead and injured. ISIS claimed responsibility for the terrorist attacks.

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Lebanon Detains Five Over Rocket Fire Toward Israel

FILED - 31 May 2022, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanese soldiers stand guard in front of the parliament building in Beirut. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
FILED - 31 May 2022, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanese soldiers stand guard in front of the parliament building in Beirut. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
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Lebanon Detains Five Over Rocket Fire Toward Israel

FILED - 31 May 2022, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanese soldiers stand guard in front of the parliament building in Beirut. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa
FILED - 31 May 2022, Lebanon, Beirut: Lebanese soldiers stand guard in front of the parliament building in Beirut. Photo: Marwan Naamani/dpa

The Lebanese Army on Tuesday received a third suspect from the Palestinian group Hamas over rocket attacks launched from southern Lebanon toward Israel in March, bringing the total number of detainees to five.

In a statement issued by the Army’s Directorate of Guidance, the military said it had taken custody of the Palestinian national, identified by the initials Q.S., at the entrance of the Al-Bass refugee camp in the southern city of Tyre.

The handover follows the transfer of two other Hamas members on Sunday and Monday, as part of a broader security operation led by the Lebanese Army’s Intelligence Directorate.

The move comes in line with a recommendation by Lebanon’s Supreme Defense Council and a decision by the government to apprehend those involved in the attacks.

The suspects are believed to have played roles in rocket launches toward Israeli territory on March 22 and 28, 2025.

Military authorities confirmed that the newly detained suspect is now under investigation under the supervision of the relevant judicial authorities.

Security forces are continuing efforts to track down additional individuals linked to the rocket fire.

Rockets fired from southern Lebanon toward Israel on March 22 and 28 were launched by unidentified assailants, but subsequent investigations by Lebanese authorities revealed that some of those involved were affiliated with the Palestinian group Hamas, security sources said.

Two suspects have already been detained, and authorities have launched a manhunt for others believed to have taken part in the attacks.

In response, Lebanon’s Supreme Defense Council issued a recommendation to the government on Friday, urging it to formally warn Hamas against using Lebanese territory to carry out operations that threaten national security.

“The most severe measures will be taken to put a definitive end to any act that violates Lebanese sovereignty,” the council said in its statement.