An explosive charge went off on April 9, 2017 inside Mar Girgis Church in Tanta on Palm Sunday. The blast left at least 27 people dead and 78 others injured.

President Abdel Fattah El Sisi has strongly deplored the heinous terrorist attack against peaceful worshipers in Mar Girgis Church.

President Sisi extended sincere condolences to families of the martyrs and wished the injured a speedy recovery, according to a statement issued by the Presidency.

The terrorist attacks aim to destabilize the fabric of Egypt, Sisi said, adding that the Egyptians will not hesitate to confront evil forces.

President Sisi issued directives to the Cabinet and all security bodies in the State to head to the blast scene and take the necessary measures to provide the necessary care for the injured and intensify investigations to arrest the perpetrators.

The Foreign Ministry launched hashtag #united-on-palm on Twitter to urge support in the face of terrorism, after the blast.

Statement by President El Sisi after meeting of National Defense Council