US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has traveled to Cairo to engage with Egyptian officials on securing a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages held by Hamas. This marks his 10th trip to the Middle East since the war began nearly a year ago after Hamas's October 7 attacks. Blinken's visit will include meetings with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry, but notably, he will not be visiting Israel this time. US officials do not anticipate immediate breakthroughs but aim to maintain diplomatic pressure to advance negotiations. His visit comes amid heightened regional tensions following recent explosions in Lebanon attributed to Hezbollah, which complicate ceasefire efforts. The US continues to collaborate with Egypt and Qatar in mediating a potential deal, though significant obstacles remain.