Egypt's President Criticizes Israel's Military Operation in Gaza

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In a significant pushback against the United States, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi criticized Israel's military operation in Gaza during a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken, who is currently engaged in intensive diplomatic efforts across the Middle East, aims to prevent the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas from escalating into a broader regional conflict. As the possibility of an Israeli ground offensive looms, Blinken reaffirmed the United States' unwavering support for Israel, emphasizing shared democratic values and the importance of taking precautions to avoid civilian harm. However, he refrained from directly criticizing Israel's bombing campaign, which has resulted in civilian casualties in Gaza.

Blinken's Consultations And Concerns

From Cairo, where President el-Sissi conveyed his criticism, Blinken continued his diplomatic tour to Jordan and planned to return to Israel on Monday. His objective is to convey the feedback he has received during his meetings with Arab leaders throughout the region. The escalating tensions and fears of a wider war in Gaza have become a growing concern for the Biden administration, given the potential for devastating humanitarian consequences. According to Egypt's state-run media, President el-Sissi expressed to Blinken that Israel's operation in Gaza has surpassed the bounds of self-defense and has become a form of collective punishment.

Blinken acknowledged Israel's right and obligation to defend itself against Hamas attacks and emphasized the need for precautions to avoid civilian harm. He highlighted the importance of affirming shared values for human life and dignity during military operations. Earlier on Sunday, Blinken met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh, building on previous discussions with leaders from the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, and the Palestinian Authority. Blinken noted a shared determination among Arab leaders to prevent the conflict from spreading further, safeguard innocent lives, and provide assistance to Palestinians in need in Gaza.

US Efforts For Humanitarian Assistance

In response to the potential humanitarian crisis, the White House announced the appointment of David Satterfield, a former ambassador to Lebanon and Turkey, to lead US efforts in delivering humanitarian assistance to vulnerable people across the Middle East. Satterfield is expected to arrive in Israel on Monday. Meanwhile, President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, clarified that the United States is not making demands or requests of Israel regarding its military operations. Sullivan emphasized the administration's focus on upholding basic principles, respecting civilian life, and differentiating the US from terrorist actors. He stressed that the US is not interfering in Israel's military planning but is urging the protection of civilians and their access to safety, food, water, medicine, and shelter.

Challenges In Evacuating American Citizens

Sullivan acknowledged the challenges in facilitating the evacuation of American citizens from Gaza through Egypt's Rafah crossing. Despite efforts, no successful evacuations have been reported thus far. The crossing was closed due to airstrikes earlier in the conflict, leaving approximately 500 Americans in Gaza. US officials have acknowledged the positive reception of Blinken's message among Arab leaders, who recognize Israel's right to respond to Hamas attacks but express deep concern about the humanitarian situation in Gaza. The Arab leaders have emphasized the need for an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal that results in an independent Palestinian state as a means to resolve the ongoing conflict.

During his visit to Egypt, Blinken reiterated the unwavering US support for Israel, stating that the US will stand with Israel today, tomorrow, and every day. The hour-long meeting between Blinken and Prince Mohammed in Saudi Arabia focused on halting terrorist attacks by Hamas, securing the release of hostages, and preventing the conflict from escalating further. Both parties affirmed their commitment to protecting civilians and promoting stability across the Middle East. Despite these diplomatic efforts, the situation remains tense, and the potential for a wider conflict persists. Blinken's mission to prevent a regional escalation and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza will be a critical test of US diplomacy in the Middle East.