France's Foreign Minister to Visit Cairo Amid Efforts to Secure Israel-Hamas Truce, Release of French Hostages

France's foreign minister Stephane Sejourne will make an unscheduled stop in Cairo on May 1, 2024, during his Middle East tour to assess Egypt's efforts in securing a truce between Israel and Hamas in Gaza and the potential release of three French hostages held by Hamas.

Diplomatic efforts towards securing a ceasefire are intensifying, with a renewed push led by Egypt to revive stalled negotiations between Israel and Hamas, Gaza's ruling Palestinian Islamist group.

France has three nationals still held hostage by Hamas after the group's assault on Israel in October, and Sejourne's visit is in the context of Egypt's efforts to free these hostages and achieve a truce in Gaza. The minister's trip to Egypt follows stopovers in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and Israel, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Sejourne said there is some momentum towards an accord, but it would only be a first step towards a long-term ceasefire. He warned that an offensive in the southern Gaza City of Rafah would do nothing to help Israel in its war with Hamas.

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has also raised pressure on Israel to increase aid deliveries to the enclave. The UN has warned that a ground operation by Israeli troops in Rafah would be a "tragedy beyond words" and that no humanitarian plan can counter such an offensive.

Why this matters: The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has significant regional implications, with the potential to escalate tensions and destabilize the Middle East. France's diplomatic efforts, in coordination with Egypt, aim to secure a ceasefire and the release of French hostages, highlighting the international community's stake in resolving the crisis.

Sejourne has also urged Israel to make a proposal to reduce tensions with Lebanon's Hezbollah. Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has renewed calls for Hamas to accept a ceasefire agreement and discussed increasing aid to Gaza, where the UN has warned of an imminent famine.

Blinken's visit to Israel marks the final leg of his broader Middle East tour. Separately, police have been called to the University of California campus in Los Angeles amid reports of violent clashes around pro-Palestinian protests, and police have cleared protesters from a building at Columbia University in New York City.

Key Takeaways

• French FM to visit Cairo on May 1, 2024, to discuss Gaza truce and hostage release.
• Egypt leading efforts to revive Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations amid Gaza crisis.
• France has 3 nationals held hostage by Hamas, visit aims to secure their release.
• UN warns Israeli ground offensive in Rafah would be a "tragedy beyond words".
• US calls for Hamas to accept ceasefire, discusses increasing aid to Gaza amid famine risk.