Brett McGurk, the US Middle East envoy, is set to embark on a diplomatic mission to Egypt and Israel this week in efforts to address the ongoing hostage crisis involving the Palestinian group Hamas in Gaza. A senior official from the Biden administration confirmed McGurk’s travel plans.
Having previously engaged in negotiations, McGurk will initiate discussions in Egypt on Wednesday before heading to Israel on Thursday. These talks represent the latest endeavour in the ongoing diplomatic efforts involving the United States, Egypt, Israel, and Qatar. The primary objectives include brokering a ceasefire in the conflict and securing the release of more than 100 hostages held by Hamas since their retaliatory attack on Israel on October 7.
In parallel, the United States is presenting a draft resolution to the United Nations Security Council. The resolution calls for a temporary cessation of hostilities in the Israel-Hamas conflict and opposes any significant ground offensive by Israel in Rafah. This move follows the US’s indication of a potential veto on a competing resolution, citing concerns about jeopardising ongoing negotiations.
A senior official from the US administration emphasised that they do not intend to rush a vote on the resolution, opting to allow sufficient time for negotiations. The official provided this information on Monday to Reuters, speaking on the condition of anonymity.