US sends full military aid to Egypt amid Gaza conflict

The Biden administration has decided to send Egypt its full military aid allocation of $1.3 billion, despite ongoing human rights concerns. Secretary of State Antony Blinken waived conditions on $225 million of this aid, emphasizing Egypt's role as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict. This decision is seen as crucial for maintaining stability in the Middle East and supporting U.S. national security interests, particularly in brokering a cease-fire and enhancing humanitarian assistance for Palestinians. While the U.S. has previously withheld funds due to human rights abuses under President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi's government, which has faced allegations of arbitrary killings and repression, the State Department noted some progress in Egypt's human rights situation. Blinken highlighted that Egypt has released over 950 political prisoners since September 2023 and is working on reforms regarding pretrial detention. However, critics argue that for every political prisoner released, two more have been jailed, indicating a lack of consistent progress. Democratic Senators Chris Coons and Chris Murphy expressed their discontent with the release of military aid, citing the ongoing repression in Egypt. They emphasized that the U.S. has successfully maintained strategic ties with Egypt while withholding funds in the past, questioning the rationale behind the current decision. The U.S. continues to engage in dialogue with Egypt regarding human rights improvements, stressing that further actions are necessary to sustain a strong partnership. The situation remains complex, balancing military aid with the pressing need for human rights advancements in Egypt.