US and Egypt oppose Rafah attack

CAIRO (QJ) -The United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, currently in Cairo, has stated that there is a growing consensus between Israel and Hamas to negotiate a ceasefire to de-escalate tensions significantly, but he noted that serious challenges remain.

Blinken emphasized that he still believes the ceasefire agreement is feasible, despite the intensive efforts required to achieve it.

While Israel is preparing for a possible ground assault on the southern Gaza city of Rafah, Blinken said that the United States hopes Hamas can be dealt with effectively without a major ground operation in Rafah.

He also stated that a ground operation would be a “mistake,” and officials would explore other options when an Israeli delegation visits Washington, DC next week.

Egypt’s Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told reporters that he and Blinken agreed to pursue “real steps” to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Shoukry stressed that the United States and Egypt reject military operations in Rafah.

He added that Egypt will do everything possible, everything necessary, to facilitate conflict resolution and prevent further military escalation.