Egypt Criticizes Israel's Gaza Operation As US Diplomat Seeks Regional Resolution

Egypt's President, Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, has openly criticized Israel's military operation in Gaza, providing a stern response to the United States as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken travels tirelessly across the Middle East in a bid to prevent the Israel-Hamas conflict from escalating into a broader regional crisis.

As the prospect of an Israeli ground offensive in Gaza looms, Secretary of State Blinken reiterated the unwavering U.S. commitment to stand by Israel, "today, tomorrow and every day". However, he also emphasized the critical importance for Israel to take "every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians."

From Cairo, where President el-Sissi voiced his criticism of Israel's actions, Blinken embarked on a journey to Jordan before returning to Israel on Monday, 16th October, carrying with him the insights gathered during his meetings with leaders across the Arab world.

His return to Israel comes amid escalating concerns that an Israeli incursion into Gaza could trigger a wider conflict with dire humanitarian consequences, a growing concern for the Biden administration.

Egypt's state-run media reported that President el-Sissi conveyed to Blinken that Israel's Gaza operation has surpassed "the right of self-defense" and has become a form of "collective punishment."

However, Blinken, prior to leaving Egypt, underscored Israel's right and obligation to defend itself against attacks from Hamas, emphasizing the need for Israel to do so in a manner that made sure such attacks are not repeated in the future.

"Israel has the right, indeed it has the obligation to defend itself against these attacks from Hamas and to try to do what it can to make sure that this never happens again.", said Blinken as quoted by AP. He furhter stated, "the way that Israel does this matters. It needs to do it in a way that affirms the shared values that we have for human life and human dignity, taking every possible precaution to avoid harming civilians.''

Before these events, Blinken had reportedly met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, engaging in talks that built upon earlier discussions with leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority.

Blinken reiterated that his discussions with Arab leaders all centered around a shared determination to prevent the escalation of conflict, protect innocent lives, and provide assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.

In every meeting with Arab leaders, there "was a determination of shared view that we have to do everything possible to make sure this doesn't spread other places, a shared view to safeguard innocent lives, a shared view to get assistance to Palestinians in Gaza who need it and we're working very much on that", said Blinken as quoted by AP.

The White House also announced the appointment of David Satterfield, a former ambassador to Lebanon and Turkey, to lead U.S. efforts in delivering humanitarian assistance to vulnerable populations in the Middle East. Satterfield was set to arrive in Israel on Monday.

Notably, President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, clarified that the U.S. was not making specific requests or demands regarding Israel's military operations. Instead, the U.S. is conveying its principles, rooted in respecting civilian life and conducting military operations in line with the laws of war.

This marks a shift in the U.S. administration's stance in response to concerns from Arab leaders regarding the humanitarian crisis that could result from an Israeli ground offensive.

The U.S. is also grappling with challenges in evacuating American citizens from Gaza through Egypt's Rafah crossing. Sullivan noted that executing this operation is difficult due to the closure of the crossing amid airstrikes in the region.

U.S. officials have reported that Arab leaders have responded positively to Blinken's message, acknowledging Israel's right to respond to Hamas attacks while expressing deep concern about the humanitarian situation and Palestinian civilian casualties. These leaders have stressed that a resolution to the conflict necessitates an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal leading to an independent Palestinian state.

In Egypt, Blinken emphasized the U.S.' unwavering support for Israel, both in words and deeds. The situation remains fraught with the potential for further escalation, requiring diplomatic efforts to safeguard lives and reach a peaceful resolution.