WASHINGTON, USA: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is set to visit Egypt this week to co-chair the US-Egypt Strategic Dialogue with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty. Scheduled from September 17-19, this trip marks a crucial step in strengthening bilateral ties and advancing economic development, according to State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller.
In addition to the dialogue, Blinken will engage with Egyptian officials to discuss efforts towards a cease-fire in Gaza. This includes negotiations aimed at securing the release of hostages, alleviating Palestinian suffering, and fostering broader regional security. The visit highlights ongoing US efforts, in collaboration with Qatar and Egypt, to broker a deal between Israel and Hamas.
Since October 7 last year, when Hamas launched an attack that resulted in over 1,100 deaths and approximately 250 hostages taken, the situation in Gaza has deteriorated. Over 41,000 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed, and nearly 94,400 have been injured, according to Gaza health authorities. The conflict has been further complicated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resistance to withdrawing from the Philadelphi Corridor, a key border area.
US, Egyptian, and Qatari diplomats are working on a bridging proposal for a cease-fire and prisoner exchange, though challenges persist. While US officials claim that 90% of the terms are agreed upon, Netanyahu disputes this assessment. The situation remains dire, with Israel holding around 9,500 Palestinian prisoners and estimating that 101 Israeli hostages are currently in Gaza, some possibly killed during captivity.
Blinken’s visit underscores the urgent need for diplomatic solutions to this protracted conflict and reflects ongoing international efforts to stabilize the region.
READ ALSO: UN Debates Palestinian Push for Israeli Withdrawal Today
