In a diplomatic move the U.S. Secretary of State, Antony Blinken held a crucial meeting with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi. This high-level meeting took place at Al Ittihadiya Palace in the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

The focus of their discussions centered on pressing matters related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. One of the key issues addressed was the immediate cessation of Hamas attacks on Israel, a critical step in de-escalating the current conflict.

The meeting underscores the crucial role Egypt plays in mediating and facilitating communication between the involved parties during this turbulent period. Diplomatic efforts like these hold the potential to pave the way for peace and stability in the region.

The US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller stated about the meeting saying, “Secretary of State Antony J Blinken met with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi today in Egypt. Secretary Blinken underscored the United States’ focus on halting Hamas’ terrorist attacks against Israel and preventing the conflict from spreading.”

Additionally, they highlighted the paramount importance of establishing a humanitarian corridor to facilitate the secure evacuation of civilians from Gaza.

The statement read further, “The Secretary and President Sisi agreed on the importance of addressing the humanitarian situation in Gaza to ensure assistance can reach people who need it and help keep civilians out of harm's way. Secretary Blinken reiterated to President El-Sisi the importance of facilitating the safe passage of American citizens and family members from Gaza.”

Egypt, Israel, and the United States have jointly agreed to facilitate the passage of foreigners residing in Gaza through the Rafah border crossing into Egypt. Additionally, Israeli forces have committed to refraining from targeting the areas through which these foreigners will travel as they exit the Hamas-controlled territory.

During a meeting Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi asserted that Israel's actions in Gaza have exceeded the boundaries of self-defense, evolving into a form of collective punishment. The report was published by The Times of Israel.

President Sissi, whose country shares a border with the Gaza Strip, which has been predominantly sealed off over the past week, emphasized that Israel's response had evolved into collective punishment for the 2.3 million residents of Gaza, as reported by Egypt's state-run media.

As per The Times of Israel, Blinken, who initially visited Israel before embarking on a diplomatic tour to Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Egypt, is scheduled to return to Israel for further discussions pertaining to the Israel-Gaza conflict.

According to Israeli Defense Minister Gallant, an estimated 150-200 hostages are currently being held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip, “We are making every effort to locate them even in this great complexity.”According to the latest update, 1300 people have been killed, with over 3600 injured, reported The Jerusalem Post.

Image source: Times of India