Wednesday 11 May 2011

Egypt activists say Israel behind Imbaba clashes

[ 11/05/2011 - 12:06 PM ]

CAIRO, (PIC)-- Egyptian activists have accused Israel of trying to hamper Egypt's efforts to support calls for the third intifada due May 15 after the recent sectarian clashes in Cairo's Christian Imbaba district.

Parties behind the January 25 revolution in Egypt retracted plans to participate in the march set to mark the 63rd Nakba this Friday after sectarian clashes erupted in Imbaba killing 13 and injuring 238.

The decision not to participate was made ”in deference to the sentiments of the Egyptian people”.

Calls for the May 15 march have drawn heavy attention on popular Facebook pages. Organizations in several countries bordering occupied Palestine have organized marches designed to peacefully besiege Israel.

Violent clashes involving gunfire and Molotov cocktails broke out in the Imbaba district after Muslims claiming to be Salafis confronted a Christian family that allegedly kidnapped one of their relatives who converted to Islam.

That woman's husband was among those who demanded her return ahead of the firefight.

The National Liberation Front Party said in an ensuing statement that an escalation in sectarian strife was recently noted in Egypt as plans for the third intifada neared.

The statement says that Israel is “translating its resentment over the Egyptian revolution and its success in achieving Palestinian reconciliation and its intention to open the Rafah border crossing”.

Israel's history of sowing discord in Egypt and the Arab world leaves no room for doubt that it is in some way behind the strife sweeping the country, the statement adds.

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