Washington announced on Monday that U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Egypt this week to discuss efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. Egypt has played a crucial role in ongoing talks aimed at securing a truce.
According to a statement by U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller, Blinken’s visit, scheduled from Tuesday to Thursday, will include meetings with Egyptian officials. “During his visit, Blinken will discuss ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire in Gaza that ensures the release of all hostages, alleviates the suffering of the Palestinian people, and contributes to broader regional security,” said Miller.
Additionally, Blinken will co-chair the opening of the U.S.-Egypt Strategic Dialogue with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel Aty during the visit. This dialogue, as stated in the press release, aims to “strengthen bilateral relations, deepen economic development, and foster cultural and educational ties between the two nations.”
Egypt, alongside the United States and Qatar, plays a key role in mediating efforts to halt the war between Israel and Hamas. The U.S.-Egypt-Qatar mediation seeks an agreement that would facilitate the release of hostages held by Hamas since its October 7 attack on Israel, and halt Israel’s military operation, which has led to the deaths of tens of thousands of Palestinians.
The U.S. State Department reiterated on Monday that Washington is continuing to work with regional partners on a new proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the exchange of hostages. According to Reuters, the State Department said, “Washington remains in dialogue with regional partners, particularly Egypt and Qatar, to present a revised proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza, ensuring the proposal can bring the parties closer to a final agreement.”
