Cairo, Egypt – US Secretary of State Antony Blinken expressed cautious optimism regarding the possibility of a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas, stating that the “gaps are narrowing” but acknowledging the presence of significant challenges. Blinken highlighted ongoing efforts to secure a temporary ceasefire in exchange for the release of hostages, emphasizing the collaborative approach involving Egypt, Qatar, and Israel to present a viable proposal that has received a response from Hamas.
During a press conference in Cairo alongside Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, Blinken reiterated his belief in the potential for a deal while acknowledging the need for continued hard work to bridge the remaining gaps. He emphasized the daily efforts being made by the teams involved, underscoring the complexity of the negotiations despite progress being made.
As tensions escalate in the Middle East, particularly with Israel’s potential plans for an operation in the Rafah region of Gaza, Blinken voiced the US stance against a major ground operation in the area. He emphasized the importance of finding alternative strategies to address the conflict, which will be discussed further when an Israeli delegation visits Washington, DC in the coming week.
In a show of solidarity, Shoukry and Blinken agreed to take concrete steps to increase humanitarian aid in Gaza, aligning their positions on the rejection of military operations in Rafah. The Egyptian minister affirmed his country’s commitment to facilitating peace and halting military activities in the region by providing any necessary support.
The ongoing negotiations and diplomatic efforts led by the US and its allies reflect a collective push for peace and stability in the conflict-ridden region. Despite the remaining challenges, Blinken’s remarks signal a cautious optimism that a resolution may be within reach as stakeholders continue to work towards a mutually acceptable agreement.