Sisi honors martyrs’ sacrifices as medals for every family

CAIRO - 20 March 2026: President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi performed the Eid al-Fitr prayer at al-Fattah al-Alim Mosque in the New Capital on Friday, later inaugurating the East Nile Monorail and honoring the families of fallen and wounded heroes.

Following the inauguration, Sisi celebrated the Eid with a group of children and presented them with gifts.

Addressing the families of martyrs and injured personnel during a breakfast following the inauguration, Sisi emphasized that their sacrifices are a "medal of honor" for every Egyptian family.

He reflected on the "ferocious war" against terrorism that lasted a decade, noting that the stability enjoyed by 120 million citizens and guests today was paid for with the lives of thousands.

"Those who destroy do not know how to build," Sisi said, recalling the turmoil of 2012. He revealed that the financial cost of the war on terror reached approximately 120 billion EGP, with operations costing between 30 million and 40 million EGP daily from 2012 to 2022.

The president noted that the state chose to pursue development and the fight against terrorism simultaneously rather than halting national progress to focus solely on the conflict.

He asserted that the actions of terrorist groups "have nothing to do with Islam" and that the state never sought confrontation or conspiracy, but acted only to preserve the nation.

Sisi also touched upon the political landscape of 2011, stating he had predicted the rise and eventual departure of the Muslim Brotherhood because "Egyptians do not like anyone to force them to go to the mosque or the church."

The president expressed pride in Egypt's hosting some 120 million "guests," referring to refugees and people fleeing turmoil in their own countries.

He concluded by thanking the families of the martyrs and reiterating that Egypt's stability is owed to them after 10 years of sacrifices in a "cruel war."