Blinken pushes for Gaza cease-fire in Cairo

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Cairo early this morning as part of a lightning visit to Egypt, a key U.S. ally, to discuss efforts for a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, according to a correspondent from the French News Agency.

Blinken’s tenth visit to the region since the war broke out on Oct. 7, 2023, is notable for where he won’t go: Israel or any Arab capital other than Cairo.

U.S. officials privately indicated they do not expect significant progress from Blinken's talks in Cairo. However, the top U.S. diplomat is seeking to keep up pressure for a cease-fire.

Washington hopes to secure a cease-fire agreement before the U.S. presidential elections in November, amid concerns that the conflict could escalate further. Recent explosions in Lebanon, blamed by Hezbollah on Israel, underscored the growing risk of regional escalation. At least nine people were killed and nearly 2,800 others were injured in the blasts.

Blinken is set to meet with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and co-chair a session of the U.S.-Egypt "strategic dialogue," according to the State Department. He is also expected to hold a joint press conference with Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelati.

Last week, Washington decided to release its full annual military aid to Cairo, totaling $1.3 billion, without conditions related to human rights, a departure from last year. Congressional approval is still pending.