The attack on the Al-Rawda Mosque was a coordinated assault perpetrated during Friday prayers, a time when mosques are filled with worshippers. The gunmen, while reports suggest they arrived in several vehicles, unleashed chaos with automatic weapons and explosive devices. This act of violence targeted a community of Sufi Muslims, who are known for their mystical practices in Islam, and have often been marginalized and attacked by more extremist factions, including the so-called Islamic State (ISIS). Eyewitnesses recounted scenes of horror and desperation, as people fled the mosque trying to escape the gunfire.

In the aftermath, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi vowed to respond with force against those responsible and promised to intensify the military campaign against terror groups in the Sinai Peninsula. The attack was heavily condemned worldwide, leading to vows of solidarity and support for Egypt from various nations, highlighting the international concern regarding the spread of extremism. The violence not only raised questions about security in the region but also about the social dynamics between different Islamic sects.

The attack marked a turning point in Egypt's struggle with insurgent violence, particularly in the Sinai Peninsula, where military efforts have struggled to establish security against militant threats. Analysts noted that the targeting of a Sufi mosque indicated a blatant attempt to instill fear among communities that diverge from more hardline interpretations of Islam. This tragic event intensified discussions around sectarian violence and the need for unity against terrorism within the broader Islamic community, as well as a strategic reevaluation among Egyptian authorities concerning their counter-terrorism strategies.