Biden: Ceasefire in Gaza Seems Difficult Before Ramadan

U.S. President Joe Biden stated that reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza by the start of Ramadan "seems difficult." Biden expressed concern about the violence in East Jerusalem without a ceasefire. Meanwhile, Hamas stated that it will not concede its demands for a truce in Gaza. Hamas is calling for a complete halt to Israeli military operations in Gaza and the beginning of relief, shelter, and reconstruction efforts. In this context, the newspaper "Israel Hayom" reported that Israeli officials are discussing arming some civilians in the Gaza Strip to provide security for aid convoys heading to the area. The report noted that the civilians would not be linked to armed groups, including Hamas, but their identities remain unclear. It added that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has postponed making a decision on this matter.