"Israel Prepared to Halt Gaza Conflict for Ramadan with Hostage Deal, Biden Announces"

President Biden stated that Israel has agreed to pause its offensive in Gaza during Ramadan if a deal is reached to release some hostages held by Hamas, but both parties downplayed the possibility of an imminent breakthrough. Negotiators from the US, Egypt, and Qatar are working on brokering a cease-fire that would involve the release of hostages, a halt in fighting, and increased aid deliveries to Gaza. The start of Ramadan is seen as an unofficial deadline for a deal, and Biden expressed hope for a cease-fire by next week. However, Israeli officials were surprised by Biden's comments, and Hamas indicated that it is not interested in softening its demands. Talks are ongoing, with the potential for an Israeli ground offensive in Rafah, and the offensive in Gaza has killed tens of thousands and displaced a large portion of the population.