At Cairo summit, even Arab leaders at peace with Israel expressed growing anger over the Gaza war

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi and Jordan’s King Abdullah II harshly criticized Israel’s actions in Gaza at the summit. They expressed concerns about the displacement of Palestinians to the Sinai Peninsula and warned against the “liquidation of the Palestinian cause.” They also condemned Israel’s siege and bombardment of Gaza as a “war crime.”

Egypt is concerned that a large influx of Palestinians crossing into its territory would undermine hopes for a Palestinian state. This migration could have various implications, including security risks and potential militant activities in the Sinai Peninsula, endangering the peace treaty between Egypt and Israel.

Israel had not clearly stated its endgame for the Gaza conflict. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant outlined a three-stage plan involving airstrikes, maneuvering, and creating a new “security regime” in Gaza. However, Israel did not specify who would govern Gaza after Hamas.

Arab leaders also condemned Israel’s air campaign in Gaza, which resulted in a significant number of Palestinian casualties, including civilians. They accused Israel of “collective punishment” and “violations of international humanitarian law.” King Abdullah criticized the international community for allegedly prioritizing Israeli lives over Palestinian lives.

Arab countries fear a repeat of the mass displacement of Palestinians during the 1948 war surrounding the creation of Israel, known as the Nakba. This event involved the exodus of around 700,000 Palestinians who were never allowed to return. The mention of the Nakba underscores concerns about historical displacement patterns and their consequences.