US President Biden expresses hope for ceasefire in Israel-Hamas conflict

US President Joe Biden has expressed his desire for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict by “next Monday,” according to CNN. Biden emphasized the ongoing progress, stating, “Well, I hope by the beginning of the weekend, I mean, the end of the weekend.” He further mentioned that his national security adviser informed him of the proximity to a ceasefire, stating, “We’re close, it’s not done yet. And my hope is that by next Monday we’ll have a ceasefire.”

On Monday, CNN reported that Hamas adjusted some key demands in hostage deal negotiations, leading to a temporary pause in the fighting in Gaza. A meeting in Paris involving US, Egyptian, and Israeli intelligence chiefs, along with the Qatari prime minister, resulted in a senior Biden administration official stating, “The major obstacles have been resolved.” The official noted a decline in Hamas’ requirements for the number of Palestinians to be freed.

Despite this progress, challenges are anticipated in future discussions, especially regarding the release of male IDF hostages and the end of the war. An agreement may be implemented in multiple phases, with an initial deal potentially leading to a truce lasting up to six weeks. This truce could involve the release of Israeli hostages, including women, children, the elderly, and the sick, in exchange for a smaller number of Palestinian prisoners.

The second phase of discussions is expected to be more complicated, with Israeli leaders expressing intentions for a military offensive into Rafah. Hamas, in an earlier proposal, suggested using the second phase to discuss “the requirements necessary for the continuation of the mutual cessation of military operations.”

US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan mentioned that there is an understanding on the basic contours of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire following the Paris meeting. He emphasized the need for indirect discussions by Qatar and Egypt with Hamas to secure the release of hostages, expressing hope for a firm and final agreement in the coming days.