Blinken says Egypt, Qatar assisting with 'extensive effort' to secure ceasefire in Gaza

CAIRO -21 May 2024: US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Egypt and Qatar are assisting with the "extensive effort" to secure a temporary ceasefire in Gaza, in return for the release of hostages.

In a hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Tuesday, Blinken added: " We do everything we can to bring an end to the terrible human suffering in Gaza and prevent the conflict from spreading."

"The Biden administration would be happy to work with Congress to formulate an appropriate response to the International Criminal Court prosecutor seeking to issue arrest warrants on Israeli leaders over the Gaza war," Blinken said.

Blinken announced the anticipated resumption of flights to Haiti, citing recent successes by the Haitian National Police in reclaiming control over key infrastructures. He emphasized the need for continued support to stabilize the country.

He reiterated that Washington and its allies from Europe will continue to impose sanctions on any Chinese company that, through its cooperation with Russia, contributes to financing Moscow's military operation in Ukraine.

Blinken confirmed that the US has so far introduced such measures against more than 100 Chinese enterprises.