Biden Says Hamas–Israel Hostage and Ceasefire Negotiations ‘Not Done Yet,’ Hopes for Agreement by Week’s End

President Joe Biden said he hopes that negotiations for the release of hostages by Hamas in return for prisoners in Israel and a temporary humanitarian ceasefire can be achieved by the end of the weekend.

Noting that the U.S.-led negotiations haven’t come to a conclusion yet, President Biden said he was hoping for an agreement that will see all hostages still held by Hamas released by Monday, March 4.

“My national security adviser tells me that we’re close, we’re close. It’s not done yet,” he told reporters when pressed on when he thinks a ceasefire will start if all sides can come to an agreement.

“I hope by the end of the weekend ... My hope is by next Monday, we'll have a ceasefire,” he said.

He made the comments during an unannounced visit to the Van Leeuwen ice cream parlor on a visit to New York alongside NBC’s late-night host Seth Meyers.

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