An Egyptian policeman opened fire on Israeli tourists in the Mediterranean city of Alexandria on Sunday, killing at least two Israelis and an Egyptian, Israeli and Egyptian government said.
An Egyptian Interior Ministry official said another user was wounded in the attack on the site of Pompey’s Column in Alexandria. He did not provide additional details.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry recognized the injured user as an Israeli with moderate injuries. The ministry said in a statement that the Israeli government was collaborating with the Egyptian government to repatriate the Israelis.
The Extra News television channel, closely linked to Egyptian security agencies, reported that the alleged attacker had been arrested. According to the media, the deceased Egyptian was an excursion guide.
Security forces temporarily cordoned off the site of the attack. Graphic photographs posted on social media showed two other people lying motionless on the ground. Another person was rescued by a group of men. A woman was heard screaming to call an ambulance.
The attack provoked mixed reactions from social media users. Some praised the attack in Alexandria, while others condemned the killing of civilians visiting Egypt.
Writing on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, well-known Egyptian TV presenter Ibrahim Issa called the attack a “terrorist crime,” adding that “any attempt to justify it is a crime against humanity and the nation. “
Amr Magdi, a researcher at Human Rights Watch, condemned the attack, stating in X: “There is no justification for deliberately targeting Israeli civilians in #Égipte, Gaza, or elsewhere. “
In a message to Americans in Egypt, the U. S. Embassy in Cairo suggested they take precautions as the attack could simply be related to clashes between Israel and Palestinian militants.
Egypt was the first Arab country to make peace with Israel in the 1970s and has long served as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But anti-Israel sentiment is prevalent in the country, especially episodes of violence between Israel and Palestinians.
Privacy PolicyTerms of UseSubscribe to our newslettersSite map
To follow
MORE