As talks continue between the Israeli side and Hamas regarding a potential prisoner exchange agreement, a spokesperson from the U.S. State Department announced that Secretary of State Antony Blinken will visit Saudi Arabia and Egypt this week to discuss efforts to ensure a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and increase the entry of humanitarian aid into the territory. Matthew Miller stated today, Tuesday, that Blinken will hold discussions with Saudi leaders in Jeddah tomorrow, Wednesday, before moving to Cairo on Thursday to meet with Egyptian officials.
Blinken later clarified that the visit will include discussions on the sound basis for a lasting peace in the region. He added that the U.S. has emphasized to Israel the necessity of having a plan for Gaza, stressing that Israeli authorities must prioritize the protection of civilians and provide humanitarian assistance to those in dire need. He affirmed that the humanitarian situation in the Palestinian territory is horrific for children, women, and men, noting that 100% of Gaza's population requires humanitarian aid.
This announcement comes as both Israel and Hamas have begun negotiating through intermediaries in Doha regarding the details of a potential temporary ceasefire in the besieged territory and the release of prisoners for the first time in months. It also comes as a U.S. team and an Israeli team are expected to hold a meeting in Washington soon to discuss ways to secure the border with Egypt without conducting a major ground operation in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza and to facilitate the entry of aid into Gaza.
