Egypt’s bombings have Israel on edge
Busy border crossing closed for fear of ‘intensifying ’ threat
Israel closed a busy border crossing into Egypt on Monday, citing concerns of an imminent terror attack one day after Islamic State suicide bombers killed more than 40 worshipers at two Coptic Christian churches in Egypt.
Israeli Intelligence Minister Yisrael Katz announced that the crossing between Taba, Egypt, and Israel’s Red Sea resort city of Eilat would be closed until at least April 18.
Katz cited warnings from his government’s anti-terrorism office of a militant attack that could target Israeli tourists who routinely flock to the southern Sinai’s beaches for vacation during the week-long festival marking Passover.
Katz cited “the intensifying activities” of Islamic State-affiliated terrorists in the Sinai region in recent months. Israelis will be allowed to return through the crossing.
In Egypt, President Abdel Fattah el- Sissi’s Cabinet formally approved a three-month state of emergency that directs the police and armed forces “to execute those procedures necessary to combat the threats of terrorism and its financing, maintain security around the country and protect public and private property, as well as preserving the lives of citizens.”
On Sunday, explosions tore through crowds celebrating Palm Sunday in Alexandria and Tanta, a city of 400,000 people about 80 miles southeast of Egypt’s second-largest city. At least 45 people were killed, and scores more were injured.
The attacks came less than a week after Sissi visited the White House, and President Trump was among world leaders who sent condolences to the Egyptian people.
Funerals for many victims were Sunday night, and burials for many more were Monday.
The Rev. Danial Maher of St. George’s Church in Tanta told the Associated Press that his son, Beshoy, was among six deacons killed in the attack.
He recalled watching his son wearing white vestments and singing at the service moments before the explosion.
“He was like an angel,” Maher said.
“He was like an angel.” The Rev. Danial Maher, whose son, Beshoy, a St. George’s Church deacon, was singing moments before the attack