In a latest diplomatic push amid efforts to end hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah and de-escalate tensions in West Asia, the US is sending top officials, including CIA Director Bill Burns and CENTCOM’s commander Erik Kurilla, to Egypt and Israel on Thursday.
Confirming the development, the White House said that the US officials, during their visit, will be engaging in talks on critical issues, including the situations in Gaza and Lebanon, the status of hostages and concerns surrounding Iran and regional borders.
At a press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre informed that Burns will be visiting Cairo on Thursday for discussions with Egyptian officials regarding bilateral relations and efforts to secure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas.
As Washington seeks to de-escalate tensions in West Asia, Jean-Pierre said that CENTCOM’s commander, US Army General Erik Kurilla, also is in the region and will visit Israel as part of the American effort to discuss Iran, Lebanon and the release of hostages in Gaza.
On Sunday, Egypt President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi unveiled an Egyptian initiative for a ceasefire in Gaza for two days in which four Israeli captives are exchanged for several Palestinian prisoners. He said that the initiative is a preliminary step for a lasting ceasefire.
Egypt, along with the US and Qatar, has been mediating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas to reach a ceasefire deal for months.
Jean-Pierre, in Wednesday’s press address, also confirmed that envoys Brett McGurk and Amos Hochstein would be travelling to the region to address several matters in the region in response to Israel’s recent military actions in self-defence against Iran.
Content retrieved from: https://www.firstpost.com/world/us-rushes-top-officials-to-west-asia-for-peace-talks-and-to-end-hostilities-13830756.html.
