Egypt’s ‘Ifta’: Muslim Brotherhood Seeks to Spread Chaos Online

Grand Mufti Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam speaks during the opening session of the Fatwa International Conference, attended by Arab Islamic clerics, in Cairo, Egypt, Aug. 17, 2015. Khaled Desouki / AFP via Getty Images
Grand Mufti Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam speaks during the opening session of the Fatwa International Conference, attended by Arab Islamic clerics, in Cairo, Egypt, Aug. 17, 2015. Khaled Desouki / AFP via Getty Images
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Egypt’s ‘Ifta’: Muslim Brotherhood Seeks to Spread Chaos Online

Grand Mufti Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam speaks during the opening session of the Fatwa International Conference, attended by Arab Islamic clerics, in Cairo, Egypt, Aug. 17, 2015. Khaled Desouki / AFP via Getty Images
Grand Mufti Shawki Ibrahim Abdel-Karim Allam speaks during the opening session of the Fatwa International Conference, attended by Arab Islamic clerics, in Cairo, Egypt, Aug. 17, 2015. Khaled Desouki / AFP via Getty Images

The Muslim Brotherhood (MB) seeks to incite hatred and chaos in Egypt through electronic terrorism, said the country’s Dar al-Ifta on Friday.

It stressed that the group, which is classified as terrorist by Egyptian authorities, “is affiliated with foreign agendas hostile to the Egyptian state.”

It also indicated that “leaders of violent groups, mainly the MB, seek power and exploit the youth by adopting online rhetoric based on disinformation.”

According to al-Ifta, “MB elements work on producing and preparing fabricated media reports and programs that include falsified news about the internal conditions and state institutions, then promoting them online and via their satellite channels that broadcast from abroad.”

It hailed the security efforts made by the Interior Ministry in line with maintaining stability and security and stopping sabotage schemes and chaos.

Former President Mohamed Morsi, the MB affiliate, was deposed on July 3, 2013, following widespread popular protests against his one-year rule. He died during his trial on June 17.

Al-Ifta says that day made a difference in Egypt’s modern history as Egyptians became aware of some of the conspiracy leads against their country, attempts to affect its national security, and threats against national institutions.

On Thursday, authorities announced the arrest of six MB elements, who have planned to prepare fabricated media reports and programs on the situation in the country and spread rumors among Egyptians.

In a statement in this regard, Al-Ifta said the group has been stirring unrest, through its media arms abroad, and broadcasting lies to undermine the efforts of the Egyptian state institutions.

It called on Egyptians to join hands to protect the country’s resources and preserve the gains of economic and social development and state institutions.

It warned them against believing its rhetoric and responding by active participation in national entitlements.



US Says Committed to 'Diplomatic Resolution' in Lebanon

FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
TT

US Says Committed to 'Diplomatic Resolution' in Lebanon

FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)
FILE - Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin speaks in Greenwich, London, Sept. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung, Pool, File)

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stressed that the United States was dedicated to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon and urged Israel to improve "dire" conditions in Gaza, in a call Saturday with his Israeli counterpart.

Austin "reiterated US commitment to a diplomatic resolution in Lebanon that allows Israeli and Lebanese civilians to return safely to their homes on both sides of the border" in his call with Israel Katz, according to a Pentagon spokesperson.

Austin also "urged the Government of Israel to continue to take steps to improve the dire humanitarian conditions in Gaza and emphasized the US commitment to securing the release of all hostages, including US citizens."

Lebanon said Saturday that an Israeli air strike in the heart of Beirut that brought down a residential building and jolted residents across the city killed at least 11 people.

Israel stepped up its campaign against the Hezbollah militant group in late September, targeting its strongholds in Lebanon.

Lebanon's health ministry says at least 3,645 people have been killed since October 2023, when Hezbollah began trading fire with Israel in solidarity with its Palestinian ally Hamas.

The United Nations and others have repeatedly decried humanitarian conditions, particularly in northern Gaza, where Israel said Friday it had killed two commanders involved in Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack.

In the call with Katz, Austin also discussed ongoing Israeli operations and reaffirmed Washington's "ironclad commitment to Israel's security," the Pentagon said.