Biden hopes for Gaza ceasefire next week

By Nathan Morley

Mr. Biden’s comments come amid reports of some progress in indirect dialogue involving Israeli and Hamas officials.

Media reports suggest it would involve aid deliveries to Gaza and the release of more hostages taken during the 7 October Hamas attacks last year.

So far, Israel has not commented and – according to British media - Hamas officials have said the two sides are not as close to a ceasefire deal as President Biden suggested.

Reuters, quoting an unnamed source with knowledge of the talks, reports Hamas is still studying a draft framework which would include a 40-day pause in all military operations and the exchange of Palestinians held in Israeli jails for Israeli hostages.

Elsewhere, Egyptian air forces reportedly airdropped humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip on Tuesday.

Local TV in Cairo quoted a security source who said the airdrops included food and medical supplies for the blockaded territory.

Meanwhile, Israeli jets conducted three air strikes on a hamlet in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, killing a Hezbollah fighter and two members of the Palestinian al-Quds Brigade.

The strike came as Hezbollah fighters fired a volley of missiles at an Israeli air base on Mount Jarmaq in revenge for Israel's ongoing bombardment of southeastern Lebanon.