- September 17, 2024
- 12:35 pm
- Middle East
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to Egypt to negotiate a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of hostages, the US State Department announced on Monday, September 16.
Blinken plans to discuss efforts to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas that would free all hostages, ease the suffering of the Palestinian people and improve regional security.
The statement mentioned that Blinken will only travel to Egypt and will not visit Israel during this visit.
The US has said efforts to reach an agreement between Israel and Hamas are nearing completion. The main obstacles are Israel's demand for a buffer zone between Gaza and Egypt, as well as details of a hostage swap for Palestinian prisoners.
The Hamas group confirmed its readiness for an “immediate ceasefire in the Gaza Strip” based on the US proposal without new conditions.
It is known that Blinken will travel to Egypt for negotiations to resolve the conflict.