Biden hopes for Gaza ceasefire by next week

US President Joe Biden has expressed his hope that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas can be reached by next Monday, as the conflict in Gaza enters its fourth week.

Biden told reporters in New York City that he was informed by his national security adviser that the negotiations involving Israel and Hamas representatives in Qatar were close to a resolution.

"My national security adviser tells me that we're close, we're close. It's not done yet. And my hope is that by next Monday we'll have a ceasefire," Biden said.

The president's comments come amid reports of some progress made in the talks, which are mediated by Egypt and supported by the US, the UN, and several Arab countries.

However, the situation on the ground remains tense and volatile, as Israel continues its air and ground campaign in Gaza, and Hamas fires rockets into Israel.

According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, at least 29,782 people have been killed in the territory since the conflict began on October 7, when Hamas gunmen killed about 1,200 people in southern Israel and took 253 hostages. Israel says it has killed more than 1,000 militants and destroyed hundreds of tunnels and rocket launchers.

The UN has warned of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where more than 1.8 million people live under a blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt. The UN says more than 300,000 people have been displaced by the fighting, and many lack access to food, water, electricity, and health care.

The international community has urged both sides to end the violence and resume dialogue, but the prospects for a lasting peace remain uncertain.

Source: CNN