A powerful explosion ripped through the Italian Consulate in central Cairo early Saturday, heavily damaging the building and killing one person.

“Bombing against our consulate in Cairo, there are no Italian victims,” Gentiloni tweeted shortly after the attack. “Our thoughts are with the people affected and with our personnel. Italy will not let itself be intimidated.”

A Health Ministry spokesman said the blast killed a civilian and wounded nine. Medics had earlier said two policemen and three passers-by had been wounded.

“Italy knows that the fight against terrorism is an enormous challenge,” said Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi.

“We will not leave Egypt to stand alone. Italy and Egypt will be together in the fight against terrorism and fanaticism,” added Renzi, who also spoke with Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah El-Sissi.

At a later press conference Gentiloni said there was no doubt that the Italian consulate was the intended target of the attack, calling it “an attempt at intimidation.”

“We intend to respond firmly but also soberly.. without alarmism,” he added.

Daesh claimed responsibility for the attack.

“We recommend that Muslims stay clear of these security dens because they are legitimate targets for the mujahideen’s strikes,” the group said on a website that carries its statements.

The blast could be heard in several surrounding neighborhoods.

Egypt’s Foreign Ministry spokesman announced that the government will pay for restoring and repairing the consulate.

“It is considered an important historical building, to say nothing of the relationships of friendship that join Egypt and Italy,” Badr Abdel Atty said in a statement.