Presidential spokesman, Yasser Ali, promised reporters that an explanation will be provided for President Mahamed Morsi's failure to attend the military funeral on Tuesday for the Egyptian soldiers slain by unidentified assailants in a Sinai attack Monday. Ali said the explanation will be made at a press conference to be held shorty.

The president, who was earlier reported absent at the funeral for security reasons, has headed to the Qoba military hospital close the presidential palace to visit the soldiers who were wounded in the attack.

Prime Minister Hisham Qandil was also unable to take part in the funeral procession. He was attacked with angry protesters upon his arrival at Al-Rashdan Mosque where the funeral prayers were taking place, forcing him to leave immediately.