Al-Arish priest: We hold Masses under security protection .. And 30 Coptic families refused to leave

Al-Arish Church priest confirmed that Sinai churches hold masses daily, and that he headed the mass on Monday from 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm.

The priest, who refused to be named, said that 30 families insisted to stay in Al-Arish despite the grave conditions they are going through. He expressed his appreciation for the security of churches.

The priest pointed out that priests movement in Al-Arish is limited for fear of being targeted by militants, but they are not besieged in churches as rumored.

He pointed out that the security situation improved from last month, which prompted some Coptic families to return from Ismailia with the great effort exerted by the armed forces to secure them.