U.S. President Joe Biden expressed hope that the Israel-Gaza war will halt by this coming Monday, with a goal of progress.
There has reportedly been some progress in the continuing talks between the officials of Israel and Hamas in Qatar.
“My national security advisor tells me that we’re close,” President Biden said at a speech in New York City, highlighting the possibility of a resolution.
Israel responded to the Hamas gunmen’s raid with a massive air and ground campaign that resulted in captives and losses, which further exacerbated the conflict.
29,782 people have died in Gaza since the start of the conflict, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
Recognizing the strong relationship between the United States and Israel, President Biden stated that he hoped for a truce on Monday and mentioned continued efforts.
The contacts between Egypt, Israel, the United States, and Qatar have permitted “progress” in negotiations for the release of Israeli hostages, according to the U.S. State Department.
There are still questions, meanwhile, about whether Hamas will accept the suggested agreement.
The United States came under fire last week when it vetoed a resolution from the UN Security Council calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Rather, the United States put out a resolution of its own, warning Israel not to invade the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.
Under pressure from abroad, Israel’s leadership was given military plans to evacuate residents from some areas of Gaza prior to any new ground operations.