US Secretary of State Warns Israelis Against Attacking Rafah
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken Meets with Egyptian Counterpart in Cairo to Discuss Gaza Conflict
Antony Blinken recently met with Egyptian Foreign Minister Samih Shukri during his visit to Cairo to discuss the ongoing developments in Gaza. In a joint press conference held after the meeting, Blinken emphasized that reaching a ceasefire in Gaza was challenging but achievable.
During the conference, Blinken highlighted the importance of finding a solution without launching a major ground incursion into Rafah. He expressed concerns for the civilians in Rafah, stating that Hamas could be dealt with without resorting to a large-scale military operation in the area. Blinken also mentioned plans to meet with Israeli officials to convey the message that an attack on Rafah would be a mistake.
Furthermore, Blinken emphasized the US’s commitment to ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict by advocating for the establishment of a Palestinian state while ensuring Israel’s security.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Shukri echoed Blinken’s sentiments, stating that Egypt would work towards facilitating a ceasefire to protect civilians in Gaza. Shukri also reiterated Egypt’s opposition to Palestinians being forced to leave their lands, indicating a consensus between Egypt and the US regarding the attack on Rafah.
Blinken’s visit to the region marks his sixth since the start of Israel’s attacks on Gaza in October 2023. After his trip to Egypt, Blinken is scheduled to visit Israel following his stop in Saudi Arabia as part of his Middle East tour.
Overall, the meeting between Blinken and Shukri signifies a joint effort to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza and work towards a peaceful resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of civilians in the region.
