CAIRO, July 12 (agencies): Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi warned Saturday that escalating the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza would cost more "innocent lives," as the death toll climbed to 127 Palestinians.
Sisi's spokesman said the government was in touch with both sides after the president met Mideast Quartet envoy Tony Blair in Cairo.
"The president warned of the dangers of military escalation, and the casualties it would cause among innocent civilians," the spokesman said in a statement.
Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip killed 22 people Saturday, bringing to 127 the toll on the fifth day of violence, medics said.
The air strikes are in response to Hamas rocket fire into Israel, which have not caused any deaths.
Mideast Quartet envoy Tony Blair arrived in Cairo Saturday for talks on ending the violence in Gaza, where Israeli air raids have killed more than 125 Palestinians this week, officials said.
Blair, who represents the European Union, Russia, United Nations and United States, will hold talks with Egyptian officials to press for an end to the conflict.
Despite international concern, truce efforts have been unsuccessful, according to Egypt, which had been key in mediating previous ceasefires between Hamas and Israel.
The Egyptian government, under new President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, has adopted a hands-off approach towards the conflict in Gaza amid deteriorating ties with Hamas.
Sisi warns against Gaza \\\'escalation\\\'
FE Team | Published: July 13, 2014 00:00:00 | Updated: November 30, 2026 06:01:00
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