A protest organised by supporters of ousted Islamist President Mohamed Morsi in Matareya, Giza turned violent on Friday, leaving two people killed and three more injured. The deaths and injuries, reported by the Ministry of Health, occurred amid clashes between security forces and protesters. The Freedom and Justice Party newspaper reported that the protesters were attacked by security forces, using teargas, birdshot and live ammunition. The pro-Morsi Anti-Coup Alliance organised nationwide protests on Friday decrying expected price hikes. President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi's government increased prices for petroleum products last week after reducing energy subsidies. In a Friday statement, the alliance accused Al-Sisi of "oppressing the poor" and warned against "fascist policies which crush Egypt's poor". Protesters also condemned the Israeli offensive on Gaza, which dragged on for a fifth day on Saturday. The offensive has thus far left over 125 Palestinians killed and nearly 1000 injured, according to Gazan health ministry spokesman Ashraf Al-Qedra. The Anti-Coup Alliance condemned the trial of Morsi for espionage charges. Morsi and 35 members of the Muslim Brotherhood are accused of organising "a plot" with the aid of groups including the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. "This trial is a green light for our Zionist enemy to resume his brutal attacks on the brotherly people of Palestine and their legitimate resistance," the alliance's statement read. Centred in Gaza, Hamas is currently facing off with the Israelis. On 7 July, Israel announced its launching a military operation on the Gaza Strip "to stop Hamas rocket fire at Israel." The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) named it "Operation Protective Edge". Friday protests have become common occurrences as pro-Morsi protesters gather after prayers in support of the ousted Islamist leader.
