Arab leaders call for 'calm' as Israeli pounds Gaza

Arab political leaders across the region have condemned Israeli aggression in Gaza which has left dozens of civilians dead.  

Both the Arab League and individual states have made public announcements against Israel’s violent attacks, which have escalated this week after Israel has launched a series of strikes on Gaza. At least 30 Palestinians, including six children have been killed.

The Arab League said it repudiated “in the strongest possible terms, the fierce Israeli aggression against Gaza.” 

On Friday, the Qatari foreign ministry called for immediate international intervention to prevent further violations by occupying forces. 

“We renew our position in support of the Palestinian people, and their right to statehood within the 1967 borders - with East Jerusalem as its capital,” said the foreign ministry.

But strong statements from Arab nations which have normalised relations with Israel, including the UAE, Bahrain and Morocco, have been less forthcoming. 

The Moroccan foreign ministry called for all sides to “avoid escalations” and “a return to calm”, in order to avoid letting the situation get “out of control”. 

In a short statement released on Sunday, Bahrain said it “lauds the efforts exerted by the Arab Republic of Egypt to de-escalate and contain the situation.”

Several Iranian politicians and military leaders have made forceful attacks on “Zionist crimes” in recent days. 

“We will never forget the bitter crimes that Israel and its US allies have undertaken,” said Ismail Kaani, leader of the al-Quds brigade - Iran’s elite fighting force. 

Egypt has been stressing its position as peacemaker, negotiating between armed Palestinian factions within Gaza “hour-by-hour”. 

President Sisi said in a speech on Friday that Egypt is “using its communication with both Israelis and Palestinians to make sure the situation does not get out of control”. 

“We are working with our partners to return calm, stability and peace to the Gaza strip,” said Sisi, without disclosing further details.