But is optimistic

Biden: Agreement on ceasefire “not before Monday”

US President Joe Biden does not expect an agreement on a ceasefire between Israel and the Islamist Hamas in the Gaza war to be reached by Monday. "Probably not by Monday, but I'm confident," said Biden on Thursday in Washington when asked by a reporter about such a deal. However, Biden remained optimistic shortly before his departure to the US southern border.

The 81-year-old had raised hopes to this effect earlier in the week, saying: "I hope that we will have a ceasefire by next Monday." Biden also commented briefly on reports of an incident involving an aid convoy in the Gaza Strip on Thursday morning that left dozens dead. When asked about the impact of the incident on a possible ceasefire, he made it clear that it was likely to make negotiations more difficult. However, he was not aware of any specific details about the incident.

The Muslim fasting month of Ramadan begins around March 10. It is uncertain whether the international mediators will be able to negotiate an agreement on a new hostage exchange by then. The USA and Qatar, which together with Egypt are facilitating the indirect negotiations between Israel and the Islamist Hamas, have recently sent cautiously optimistic signals.