Families of the 20 Coptic Egyptians kidnapped in Libya demonstrated outside the journalists' syndicate in downtown Cairo on Friday demanding their release.
The families called upon President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi to take swift measures to verify news of their relatives' death, and repatriate their bodies if their death is confirmed.
Sisi demanded governments execute an "urgent plan" to evacuate Egyptians in Libya who wish to return to Egypt, in a statement released today.
Twenty Coptic Egyptians were abducted in the Libyan city of Sirte on two separate occasions, only one week apart. Seven were kidnapped on December 31, 2014, while the remaining 13 were captured on January 3.
On Thursday, alleged pictures of the abductees went viral on social media after they were published by a magazine affiliated with the Islamic State fighters. Those featured in the pictures were clad in orange, a colour usually signalling the captives' death sentence by the group.
Islamic State fighters have gained control of large areas of Iraq and Syria over the past summer.
Several Egyptians had been caught up in the militant fighting gripping Libya, which has recently intensified in measures unprecedented since the overthrow of late Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi in 2011.
Many Egyptians have been killed, while others found themselves the victims of kidnapping.
The foreign ministry constantly reiterates its warning to all Egyptians residing in Libya, advising them to avoid any conflict areas. It also keeps renewing its travel alert to the neighbouring country, urging travellers to Libya to secure a visa from the Libyan embassy prior to their travel.
