Biden Administration Near Ceasefire Agreement Between Israel and Hamas

The Biden administration is close to finalizing a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas, according to US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby. Key issues remain unresolved, including prisoner exchanges. Meanwhile, Hamas calls on the US to exert pressure on Israel for a truce in Gaza.

The Biden administration believes it is on the verge of finalizing a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, US National Security Council spokesman John Kirby said, as reported by Al Jazeera. 'That's how close we believe we are,' Kirby stated.

Kirby emphasized the complexity of the ongoing negotiations, noting that several detailed issues remain unresolved. 'Nothing is negotiated until everything is negotiated,' he reiterated.

Meanwhile, Hamas negotiator Khalil al-Hayya has urged the US to exert pressure on Israel to reach a truce. Al-Hayya reaffirmed Hamas' support for a Biden-endorsed proposal and a UN Security Council resolution. Recent violence has led to significant casualties, with the Palestinian Health Ministry reporting 39 deaths in the West Bank since August 28.

(With inputs from agencies.)