The US State Department announced on Thursday that it was releasing $1.3 billion in military aid to Egypt without conditions, as Cairo and Washington collaborate on efforts for a Gaza ceasefire.

Previously, the U.S. had tied part of this annual aid to Egypt’s progress on human rights, in response to accusations that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s government has cracked down on dissent. This year, however, the State Department acknowledged “progress” in certain human rights areas and highlighted Egypt’s role in mediating the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

A State Department spokesperson emphasized the importance of the decision for regional peace and Egypt’s contributions to U.S. national security priorities, particularly its efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza. Egypt, along with the U.S. and Qatar, has been part of the negotiations for the release of hostages held by Hamas since the October 7 attack on Israel and to halt the ongoing Israeli military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in significant casualties.

The State Department also praised Egypt’s role in seeking a ceasefire in Sudan, where a civil war has been ongoing for over 16 months. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken officially informed Congress of the aid release, as required by law.

While Washington has often criticized Egypt’s human rights record and withheld aid in the past—such as suspending $95 million last year over human rights concerns—the State Department now acknowledges steps Egypt has taken. These include draft judicial reforms and the release of over 950 political prisoners since September 2023, despite the fact that tens of thousands of political prisoners are still held in harsh conditions.

Human rights activists argue that Egypt’s recent reforms are insufficient, as more individuals have been arrested than released during the same period, but the U.S. decision reflects its acknowledgment of some progress.