Egypt Denies Confiscation Claims Related to Saint Catherine Monastery

On Thursday, Egypt firmly rejected recent claims suggesting the confiscation of land belonging to the historic Saint Catherine’s Monastery in South Sinai, reaffirming its full commitment to safeguarding the Monastery’s unique religious status and spiritual sanctity. The Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have both issued strong statements clarifying the facts surrounding the recent court ruling issued on May 28.

The Presidency reaffirmed Egypt’s unwavering dedication to protecting the sacred standing of Saint Catherine’s Monastery, noting that the court’s decision consolidates this status and is in full alignment with the principles President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi emphasized during his recent visit to Athens on May 7. The Presidency also underlined the importance of preserving the deeply rooted and fraternal relations between Egypt and Greece, stressing that these historic ties must not be undermined by misinformation.

In parallel, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that the court ruling does not affect the Monastery, its surrounding archaeological and religious sites, or its legal and spiritual status. Rather, the ruling marks the first official legal recognition of the Monastery’s standing, affirming its historical and cultural significance and confirming the monks’ continued right to use and access the religious areas.

The statement explained that while some additional areas near the Monastery are located within designated natural reserves and had previously been subject to contracts with local authorities, the court ruled in favor of allowing continued religious use of these spaces in respect of the Monastery’s spiritual importance.

As for remote, uninhabited land parcels far from the Monastery and with no documented ownership, the court deemed them public state property. These lands, the statement affirmed, have no bearing on the Monastery’s operations or holdings.

Egypt called for responsible and accurate reporting and urged all parties to consult the full court text before making judgments. Officials emphasized that safeguarding the sacred character of Saint Catherine’s Monastery is not only a national commitment but also a reflection of Egypt’s respect for its historical and cultural partnerships — particularly with Greece.