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Morsi supporters demonstrate in Tel Aviv as Egypt braces for further violence
Approximately 150 Arab-Israeli members of the Islamic Movement branch in northern Israel demonstrated yesterday for the second consecutive day outside the Egyptian embassy in Tel Aviv, in support of ousted Egyptian premier Mohammed Morsi.
The protesters, including the controversial head of the movement Sheikh Raed Salah and his deputy Kamal Khatib, waved photos of Morsi, Syrian flags and chanted “stop the killing” and “they are all martyrs” according to YNet. Khatib said, “All the protesters in Egypt against the overthrow of Morsi are rightfully protesting” and further commented “The killing of Egyptian citizens is terror in itself.” On Wednesday, the demonstration was joined by Knesset Member Ibrahim Sarsur of the United Arab List – Ta’al.
Meanwhile, in Egypt itself, the Muslim Brotherhood has called for a “Day of Rage” today in the wake of Wednesday’s extreme violence, which saw more than six hundred people killed after Egypt’s military used live fire in clashes with Muslim Brotherhood supporters, who have been protesting Morsi’s removal from power at two sites in Cairo. A state of emergency was declared for the first time since the fall of Hosni Mubarak. In addition, the anti-Morsi Tamarod group, which was instrumental in Morsi’s removal from power, called on Egyptians to rally against “terrorism” as both sides appeared braced for more violence. Yesterday, Egyptian government buildings were reportedly attacked and several churches were also apparently targeted.
In the wake of the violence, US President Obama yesterday issued his first response, saying that he “strongly condemns the steps that have been taken by Egypt’s interim government and security forces” and that “Our traditional cooperation [with Egypt] cannot continue as usual.” Obama announced the cancellation of a planned joint military exercise. However, there was no indication of a cut in massive US aid to Egypt, which some fear could damage the Israel-Egypt peace treaty, the maintenance of which is essentially a pre-requisite of American financial support.