Blinken has landed in Cairo for his 10th trip to the Middle East since the onset of the Israeli war on Gaza.

His tour is a renewed bid to push for a much-needed ceasefire in Gaza amid concerns of further regional escalation.

El-Sisi and Blinken addressed the situation in Gaza and ways to enhance joint efforts between Egypt, the US, and Qatar to move forward with ceasefire and captive-detainee swap negotiations, according to a statement by the Egyptian presidency.

The two sides also stressed the need to ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid.

Furthermore, El-Sisi underscored the urgent need for “decisive intervention to eliminate barriers to the entrance of huge quantities of aid for the people of Gaza, who are facing severe living and health crises.”

According to the statement, both sides reaffirmed that the two-state solution remains the viable path to sustainable peace and security.

Egypt, along with the US and Qatar, has been mediating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire deal.

Since 7 October, Israel has killed and injured over 130,000 Palestinians, mostly children and women, damaged most of Gaza’s infrastructure, and displaced the majority of the population.

Lebanon blasts
 

The meeting also discussed the developments in Lebanon, with El-Sisi reaffirming Egypt's support for Lebanon following Tuesday’s Israeli cyber attack against its communication infrastructure which claimed the lives of nine people, including a child, and wounded nearly 3,000 others.

“Egypt is keen on Lebanon's security, stability, and sovereignty,” El-Sisi told the US top diplomat.

The Egyptian president also affirmed Cairo's rejection of any “attempts to escalate the conflict and expand its scope regionally,” calling on all parties to act responsibly.

Moreover, El-Sisi and Blinken agreed to intensify joint efforts between Cairo and Washington to de-escalate the current regional situation to restore regional peace and security, the statement pointed out.

Additionally, Blinken conveyed President Joe Biden’s appreciation for Egypt's vital role in restoring regional stability, according to the statement.

El-Sisi also expressed gratitude for Biden’s acknowledgement, emphasizing the importance of the US-Egypt strategic partnership in safeguarding both nations' interests and enhancing regional security.

Both sides also discussed efforts to develop bilateral relations and resume the joint strategic dialogue to achieve the two countries' common interests.

After concluding his meeting with El-Sisi, Blinken headed to Tahrir Palace with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs Badr Abdelatty to inaugurate the Egypt-US Strategic Dialogue.