This Monday, President Joe Biden stated that there could be a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas the following Monday. However, he mentioned that he hopes the agreement will materialize a little sooner.

The president was in an ice cream parlor in New York City when he was asked about negotiations that would temporarily stop the fighting and responded that there is a possibility that a cease-fire could be reached by the end of this week.

"Well, I hope by the beginning of the weekend (…) My national security adviser [Jake Sullivan] 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," he commented.

The Biden Administration has been involved for months in negotiations for a temporary pause in the fighting between Israel and Hamas, with the goal of being able to release hostages taken by the terrorist group on October 7.

White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized that moving forward with a temporary cease-fire was a priority. In fact, the Biden Administration recently presented a resolution at the UN requesting a temporary truce and the release of more than 100 Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

A ceasefire would delay Israel's victory

Concerning the possible truce, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu noted that an agreement would delay the operation in Rafah "somewhat," where the last bastion of the terrorist organization is located.

However, Netanyahu stated that, regardless of whether a cease-fire with Hamas is achieved or not, Israel will continue with its plans to carry out its operation in a city located in southern Gaza and bordering Egypt.

"If we have a deal, it will be delayed somewhat, but it will happen. If we don't have a deal, we'll do it anyway," he stated.