Biden says Gaza ceasefire is close and could start next week

President Joe Biden said a new ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza could take effect by the start of next week

Mr Biden, who was in New York City was asked about the prospects for a ceasefire and pressed specifically on when one could take effect. The president replied: “I hope by the end of the weekend”.

It is believed that Hamas, that Israel has vowed to eradicate from Gaza, are studying a draft proposal that that includes allowing in a significant amount of humanitarian aid, as well as swapping Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the remaining hostages captured in the attack inside that triggered Israel’s bombardment of the strip.

Continuing, Mr Biden told reporters travelling with him that his national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, has told him that a ceasefire is “close” but talks are “not done yet”.

“My hope is by next Monday we’ll have a ceasefire,” he added.

The proposal is the most serious attempt in weeks to halt the fighting, and comes ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, and with international pressure mounting on Israel to stop the killing of Palestinian civilians. Ramadan this year is expected to begin on the evening of 10 March.

Palestinians rescue survivors after an airstrike in Rafah

«Ramadan is coming up, and there’s been an agreement by the Israelis that they would not engage in activities during Ramadan, as well, in order to give us time to get all the hostages out,» Mr Biden said during an appearance on NBC's Late Night with Seth Meyers. The US has been involved in talks, along with mediators Qatar and Egypt.

However, a Hamas official has told Reuters that Mr Biden’s words about a halt to fighting in Gaza are premature, and do not match the situation on the ground. The official