Egypt’s Al Azhar condemns Magdeburg Christmas Market attack

CAIRO – 21 December 2024: Egypt’s Al Azhar, the top Islamic Sunni Institute in the country, condemned the terrific run-over incident in a Christmas Market in the German city of Magdeburg, which claimed the lives of 11 people and injured hundreds.

Al-Azhar affirmed that attacking and terrorizing innocent people, regardless of their religion or belief, is a heinous crime and far away from all religious teachings, human and moral values, which came to preserve blood and build bridges of coexistence among people. 

It added that this requires concerted international efforts to eliminate extremist thought and uproot it from its sources, and to enhance efforts aimed at spreading the values ​​of tolerance, peace and human brotherhood.

Al-Azhar also offered its condolences to the relatives of the victims and wished a speedy recovery for the injured people.

A festive evening turned into a scene of horror as a car plowed into a bustling Christmas market in the eastern city of Magdeburg, Germany.

Reports indicate that at least 11 individuals have tragically lost their lives, with nearly 70 others wounded, 15 of whom are in critical condition.

According to local media sources, the driver has been apprehended and authorities are treating the incident as a deliberate attack. Nearby hospitals in Halle have been placed on high alert to manage the influx of casualties. 

The suspect is a 50-year-old Saudi doctor who has been living in Germany since 2006, and was arrested at the scene of the incident.