Coordinated attacks on churches in two cities have left at least 44 people dead and more than 100 injured.

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So-called Islamic State has claimed responsibility for the Palm Sunday bombings of churches in Tanta and Alexandria.

It’s warned of more attacks against the Christians who make up a tenth of Egypt’s 90-million people.

The emergency allows authorities to make arrests without warrants and search people’s homes. It requires parliamentary approval.

President Abdul Fattah Al-Sisi warns that the war against the jihadists will be long and painful.

He’s ordered the deployment of the military across the country to protect vital and important infrastructure.

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Egypt US relations are creeping back to normality following last year’s coup.

Secretary of State John Kerry’s the most senior US official to meet Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al Sisi who won the election earlier this month.

Washington’s resumed military aid to Cairo.

Secretary of State John Kerry says the US is very interested in working closely with President Abdel Fattah al Sisi and his cabinet and Egypt in order to help make the restoration of democracy as quick and smooth as possible.

Kerry says delivery of several attack helicopters – delayed by the US last year, in protest against Egyptian human rights abuses – will go ahead.

Earlier state department officials said all but $70m of a total $650m aid package to Egypt has been released.

One official told reporters heading for Cairo that the US is doing all it can to give assistance to Egypt.

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