Imam Mohammad Elsadi, who heads the Islamic community in Malta, has condemned yesterday's bombing of a Coptic Christian church in Egypt

"The bombing of the Cairo Coptic St. Mark’s Cathedral is a criminal attack on the freedom of worship and peaceful coexistence between different faiths. We condemn without reservation this cowardly attack, irrespective of the perpetrators. We, Muslims and Christians, are all targeted by the terrorists and we are all victims of terrorism," the Imam said in a statement.

"We should be wise enough not to play into the hands of terrorists who are aiming at inflaming religious clashes among the followers of faiths. By justice and more mutual respect and tolerance we will be more capable to combat all forms of terrorism whether it is committed by states, groups or individuals from any faith or nationality."

The Imam wished a speedy recovery to all the injured and expressed his condolences to the families of the dead. 

"May peace prevail all over the world during these times which witness the birthdays of both the prophet Mohammad and Jesus, peace be unto them, who taught love, tolerance and peace," he said.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said this morning that a suicide bomber carried out the attack that killed 24 people. Security forces have arrested three men and a woman in connection with the bombing.

Speaking at a state funeral for the victims, Sisi identified the suicide bomber as 22-year-old Shafik Mahmoud Mohamed Mostafa. He said security forces were seeking another two fugitives believed to be involved in the attack.

He called for tighter laws to help deter future attacks.