(CNN) — US Secretary of State Antony Blinken will travel to Saudi Arabia and Egypt this week to meet with leaders of the two countries, according to a State Department statement.
Blinken will discuss efforts to reach an “immediate ceasefire agreement” in Gaza that would guarantee the release of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas during the October 7 attack.
According to the statement, the agreement will also ensure “intensified international efforts to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza, coordination on post-conflict planning in Gaza, including ensuring that Hamas is no longer able to rule or repeat the October 7 attacks, and finding a political way for the Palestinian people with guarantees.” security with Israel, and building lasting peace and security in the region.”
Secretary Blinken also plans to discuss how to end Houthi attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, according to the statement.
Blinken’s visit to Saudi Arabia and Egypt came at a time when talks were taking place between Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdul Rahman Al Thani, Israeli Mossad head David Barnea, and Egyptian officials in Qatar regarding a ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages held by Hamas, an informed source said. On conversations for CNN.
The visit to Saudi Arabia and Egypt will be part of a broader foreign trip Blinken is currently on, which has included stops in Austria, South Korea and the Philippines.
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