Cairo is hosting today, Thursday, an Arab ministerial meeting between the foreign ministers of Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, the UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation, and the Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization. It is noteworthy that Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia yesterday, Wednesday, for a sixth visit to the Middle East to discuss efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza amid rising tensions in Washington's relationship with its ally Israel. Blinken is scheduled to visit Cairo today after concluding his visit to the kingdom. He will visit Israel on Friday.
On Wednesday, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman discussed developments in Gaza and its surroundings with the U.S. Secretary of State during their meeting in Jeddah. During the meeting, they also addressed efforts to halt military operations in Gaza and deal with the security and humanitarian repercussions, in addition to updates on regional and international situations of mutual interest. They reviewed bilateral relations and areas of joint cooperation, according to "Wadi".
Blinken wrote on his official Instagram account, stating: "I met with the Saudi Crown Prince and Foreign Minister to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and efforts to immediately increase aid to Palestinians." He added, "I reiterated in Saudi Arabia Washington's commitment to lasting peace and security in the region."
In a special interview with Al Arabiya and Al Hadath channels, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, speaking from Jeddah, stated that Washington is considering alternatives for dealing with Hamas, adding that "Hamas has caused significant suffering and death to Palestinians." The U.S. official expressed optimism about reaching a prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas, confirming the imminence of a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, indicating he would discuss governance in Gaza post-conflict during his current Middle East tour.
Blinken announced that the United States has submitted a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council calling for an "immediate ceasefire linked to the release of hostages" in Gaza. He said, "We have already submitted a draft resolution that is now before the Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire linked to the release of hostages, and we sincerely hope it receives support from countries." He expressed his belief that this draft "will send a strong message, indicating strong support."
Regarding humanitarian assistance to the sector, Blinken stated that the maritime corridor does not serve as a substitute for delivering aid by land to Gaza. About the Rafah operation, he clarified that Washington does not support a large-scale Israeli ground operation in Rafah. The U.S. official also said, "We want the war to end so we can focus on the future of Gaza."
Concerning the Red Sea, Blinken emphasized that what is occurring there is an international issue, not just an American one, pointing out that pressure continues on Iran to leverage its influence over the Houthis to stop attacks in the Red Sea.
