There’s plenty of scrambling around, but little new to report on diplomatic efforts to end the war in Gaza. Here’s what you need to know:
#1- Egypt’s priority right now is brokering a ceasefire — and will look at post-war reconstruction and security issues further down the road, Reuters reports, citing a mix of unnamed Egyptian and Israeli sources.
#2- Israel isn’t getting more oversight of the 13-km buffer zone between Egypt and Gaza, the newswire adds.
#3- US Secretary of State Antony Blinken thinks Arab countries could consider taking part in the “reconstruction and governance” of Gaza when the war ends, Associated Press reports. The newswire says Blinken namechecked Saudi, Jordan, Qatar, the UAE and Turkey — all countries he has visited so far.
#4- No Arab country has made a commitment to do anything in Gaza despite persistent efforts in some Western circles (particularly in corners of DC) to shape a narrative that gives Saudi and the UAE responsibility for funding whatever happens post war, while Egypt and Jordan provide security.
#5- Blinken reportedly told Israeli leaders yesterday that the road to normalization with the Arab world runs through recognition of a viable Palestinian state. Blinken’s regional tour continues today, and he’s expected in Egypt tomorrow.
#6- Israel is stepping up its bombing of Syria and Hezbollah targeted an Israeli base in northern Israel yesterday.