Cairo - US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Cairo on Sunday, and he will return to Israel on Monday, marking his second visit in less than a week after his tour of six Arab nations, according to the State Department.

Meanwhile, the office of Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi revealed that discussions are ongoing with international and regional partners to facilitate the delivery of aid to Gaza.

This situation arises as humanitarian aid convoys have accumulated near the Egypt-Gaza Strip border, as reported by the AFP, citing witnesses on Sunday. These convoys remain unable to enter the Palestinian enclave due to ongoing Israeli bombardment.

During his visit, Blinken announced that the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt would be opened to allow the delivery of aid to the Palestinian territory.

Blinken's Visit to Cairo:

The US Secretary of State arrived in Egypt following his visit to Saudi Arabia, during which he held what he described as "highly productive" discussions with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. The Saudi crown prince emphasized the need to find ways to end the conflict and adhere to international law, including lifting the Israeli blockade on Gaza, according to the Saudi state news agency SPA.

"We are working in cooperation with the United Nations, Egypt, Israel, and others to establish a mechanism for the delivery of assistance to those in need," stated Blinken during his visit to Cairo.

The United States has appointed a veteran former diplomat, David Satterfield, as an envoy to handle aid for Gaza, as announced by Blinken.

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller informed reporters that Blinken would return to Israel for further consultations with its leaders on the following day, as Blinken arrived in Cairo.

Sisi's Remarks on Israeli Actions in Gaza:

Sisi expressed to Blinken that Israel's response to Hamas' attack went beyond self-defense and amounted to collective punishment. These remarks were made during a televised meeting with Blinken in Cairo, where he also expressed his rejection of the targeting of civilians in the conflict.

Egypt's Increased Efforts to Deliver Aid to Gaza:

A statement from the Egyptian president's office, issued after a meeting of the national security council, emphasized Egypt's rejection of any plans that would displace Palestinians to the detriment of other countries. It also emphasized that Cairo's own security was a red line.

The Egyptian president has proposed a summit to address the crisis, according to the statement.

Egypt's presidency has also stated that it is intensifying efforts to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza. Humanitarian aid from various countries has gathered in Egypt's Sinai Peninsula due to difficulties in reaching an agreement for its safe transfer into the Palestinian enclave.

Humanitarian Aid Stuck on the Border:

Witnesses have reported a convoy of trucks carrying humanitarian aid and volunteers lining up near the Rafah crossing, the only entry and exit point for the Gaza Strip not controlled by Israel, which has remained closed since October 10.

On Sunday, AFP reported that the concrete blocks placed by the Egyptians to fortify the border after Israeli bombings remained in place, indicating that passage would not be considered anytime soon.

In an interview with a popular news channel, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry stated that while the Rafah crossing was open, the roads leading to it in Gaza were "inoperable" due to Israeli bombardment.

The United Nations' aid chief, Martin Griffiths, stated on Saturday that the humanitarian situation in Gaza was rapidly becoming untenable, with no access to power, water, fuel, and critically low food supplies.