President Joe Biden says that he hopes to have a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza by the start of next week, saying his national security adviser has told him that ‘we’re close’ to a deal. The US president offered the update spontaneously during a visit to New York on Monday, in response to reporters’ inquiries. Over the weekend, Israel’s war cabinet approved the broad terms of a deal to pause fighting for several weeks in exchange for hostage releases. However, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, has vowed to continue Israel’s bombardment after the pause.
'My hope is by next Monday': Biden upbeat on prospect of a Gaza ceasefire – video
Feb 26, 2024