"US Secretary of State Faces Challenges in Wooing Egypt and Saudi Arabia Amid Gaza Conflict"

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken faced resistance from Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in his efforts to garner support for Washington's view of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Both leaders expressed concerns about Israel's right to wage a massive offensive in Gaza. Blinken is seeking to convince Arab partners to condemn Hamas's assault in Israel and avoid stoking domestic unrest in response to Israel's bombing campaign in Gaza. However, differences in views emerged immediately, with the crown prince calling for a halt in the conflict, contradicting U.S. policy. Efforts to convince Saudi Arabia to condemn Hamas have failed, and the country has denounced Israel's bombing campaign. Egypt, a key interlocutor due to its border with Gaza, has also played a role in enforcing Israel's blockade of Gaza. The Egyptian public supports the Palestinian cause, but Cairo is concerned with internal security and has sought to be a voice of calm, calling for de-escalation and humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. Egypt has made it clear that mass relocation of Palestinians to Egypt is not an option.