Blinken Visits Egypt in Quest for ‘Lasting End’ to Gaza Conflict

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Egypt on Tuesday, continuing his diplomatic tour of the Middle East, which aims to establish a lasting ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict. His visit comes amidst intense fighting in Gaza that has resulted in the death of at least 99 people, predominantly women and children, as reported by the health ministry in Hamas-controlled Gaza, enduring almost four months of bombardment.

The escalation of conflict in Rafah, near the Egyptian border, has raised concerns for over a million Palestinians in the area, as Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant indicated that military operations might extend to this region.

During his fifth visit to the region since the outbreak of the Gaza war, Blinken met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, following discussions with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Riyadh. His itinerary also includes visits to Qatar and Israel, to bolster support for a truce agreement drafted in Paris this January. However, neither Hamas nor Israel has signed the agreement yet.

Israeli forces have been heavily engaged in urban combat in Gaza’s Khan Yunis, targeting the area heavily and reducing much of it to rubble. Israel accuses Hamas’s Gaza chief, Yahya Sinwar, of orchestrating the October 7 attack that claimed about 1,160 lives, mostly civilians.

The Israeli military campaign has resulted in at least 27,585 deaths in Gaza, mainly women and children. Additionally, approximately 250 hostages were taken by militants, with Israel reporting 132 still in Gaza, including 28 believed to have been killed.

The U.S. has provided Israel with munitions and diplomatic support while advocating for reduced civilian casualties and a long-term solution with Palestinians. The proposed truce involves a six-week halt in hostilities, with Hamas releasing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected Hamas’s demands for a large-scale prisoner exchange, favoring terms similar to the previous agreement in late November.

The Middle East conflict has also sparked violence in Lebanon, Iraq, Syria, and Yemen, with Iran-backed groups launching attacks in support of Hamas. This has led to counterattacks by Israel and U.S. forces.

In Yemen, Houthi rebels have targeted ships linked to Israel in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, disrupting global trade and prompting U.S. and British military responses.

Blinken discussed with the Saudi crown prince strategies to achieve a lasting resolution in Gaza and the need to reduce regional tensions. Netanyahu emphasized that a complete victory would weaken not just Hamas but other Iran-backed militant groups in the region.