Jama'a al-Islamiya said in a statement Friday that it is a sin to infringe on the lives or property of Christians in any way.
Addressing the violence in Dahshur, the group said that the "unfortunate" events that took place do not reflect a sectarian split between Muslims and Christians, but "an extension of an individual incident that does not have any religious background, and was started by a launderer who belongs to the Christian side."
The group said the violence was an “abomination” under Sharia, and demanded a swift and firm application of the law. The group added that it opposes any attempt to displace or evict any Egyptian citizens from their homes.
The statement also called on Dahshur residents to prevent “unjust aggression” in the town and to guard against looting and further unrest.
Jama'a al-Islamiya and its political arm, the Construction and Development Party, have tried, along with a number of other Islamist and political forces, to contain the crisis in Dahshur.
Clashes between Muslims and Christians had broken out in the Giza Governorate town Friday after a Christian launderer burned a Muslim customer's shirt as he was ironing it. The town saw renewed violence Wednesday morning, following the funeral of a young Muslim man who died in hospital from injuries sustained during the initial violence.
