Blinken in Egypt on Tour of ‘Enduring End’ to Gaza War

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Cairo for talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi, aiming to advance efforts toward a Gaza truce and hostage deal mediated by Egypt and Qatar.

Blinken was received at Cairo Airport by the Second Secretary for Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Sarah Henry.

The visit, which comes following discussions in Riyadh with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, forms part of Blinken’s Middle East crisis tour seeking a durable resolution to the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Blinken is seeking to garner support for a truce deal outlined in Paris in January, yet to be endorsed by either Hamas or Israel.

The truce proposes a six-week pause to fighting as Hamas frees hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel and more aid entering Gaza.

This marks Blinken’s fifth visit to the region since the conflict began, with further stops planned in Israel and Qatar.