President Biden expressed optimism on Monday about the possibility of reaching a cease-fire in Gaza within a week. He indicated that negotiators were making progress towards an agreement that would end Israel’s military operations in exchange for the release of some of the hostages held by Hamas.

During a visit to New York, President Biden spoke with reporters and provided a hopeful assessment of the hostage talks, hinting at a potential turning point in the conflict. He mentioned that a cease-fire could possibly begin by the end of the weekend, with hopes for it to be in place by the following Monday.

The president’s remarks came amidst ongoing discussions in the region, with Israel’s war cabinet reportedly approving terms of a deal involving a truce for the release of hostages. An Israeli delegation is expected to meet with intermediaries from the United States, Egypt, and Qatar in Qatar to further progress the negotiations.

A potential cease-fire agreement coinciding with the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan could put a halt to the Israeli bombardment in Gaza, which has led to a significant loss of life and a humanitarian crisis. It could also pave the way for increased humanitarian aid to reach Gaza, addressing the critical shortage of essentials like food, water, and electricity.

If a deal is reached, it would mark a pivotal moment in the ongoing conflict and could result in the release of American hostages held by Hamas. The potential release of these hostages, along with the prospect of freeing other captives, has been a subject of intense international attention.

President Biden did not delve into specifics of the cease-fire agreement or Israel’s position on it. However, his assertion that a deal could be reached within a week signaled significant progress in the negotiations.

In a televised interview with Seth Meyers, President Biden emphasized the need for a halt in hostilities to facilitate broader regional shifts, including the potential recognition of Israel by Arab states like Saudi Arabia. While supporting Israel’s right to self-defense, he also stressed the importance of minimizing civilian casualties, particularly in the city of Rafah in southern Gaza.

The president highlighted the need for Israel to recalibrate its approach to avoid causing harm to innocent civilians and to maintain international support. He cautioned that continued military actions without regard for civilian lives could erode Israel’s global alliances.

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed determination in achieving a total victory in Gaza, he acknowledged that any offensive would be delayed in the event of a cease-fire agreement. President Biden’s efforts to broker a lasting peace deal could be crucial in addressing his perceived shortcomings in handling the Gaza conflict.

The ongoing negotiations have been met with mixed reactions, with pressure mounting on both sides to de-escalate the situation. The United States has been actively involved in brokering talks and supporting the release of hostages, underscoring its commitment to ending the violence in Gaza.