President Biden aims to secure an Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement by the upcoming Monday

US President Joe Biden expressed hope for a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas by next Monday to halt hostilities and release remaining hostages. Meanwhile, Israel faces criticism for non-compliance with a UN court order, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

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In a press statement on Monday, President Joe Biden voiced optimism regarding the negotiation of a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, aiming to halt ongoing hostilities and secure the release of remaining hostages. Biden, speaking from New York following an appearance on NBC's "Late Night With Seth Meyers," expressed his desire for the ceasefire to be implemented by early next week. He stated, "Well I hope by the beginning of the weekend. The end of the weekend. My national security adviser tells me that we're close. We're close. We're not done yet. My hope is by next Monday we'll have a ceasefire." 

The negotiations primarily focus on a proposed six-week ceasefire, allowing for the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Israel's release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Additionally, the ceasefire would facilitate the delivery of crucial aid to Gaza, addressing the urgent humanitarian needs of its residents.

However, Israel faces criticism for failing to comply with a recent order from the United Nations' top court, exacerbating the dire situation in Gaza. The court's ruling, issued in response to a South African petition, urged Israel to take immediate action to prevent further harm to civilians and provide essential humanitarian assistance to the Gaza Strip. Despite these directives, Israel has reportedly not fully adhered to the court's orders, intensifying the humanitarian crisis in the region.

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Furthermore, Israel's Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, disclosed that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have presented an operational plan for Rafah, a strategic town in Gaza, to the War Cabinet. This plan includes provisions for evacuating civilians from conflict zones. The situation in Rafah has raised international concern, with calls for Israel to prioritize the protection of civilians during military operations.

As the conflict persists, the need for humanitarian aid in Gaza remains critical. However, challenges persist in delivering aid effectively, with reports of obstacles hindering the distribution of essential supplies to northern Gaza. Humanitarian organizations have called for increased cooperation to address these challenges and alleviate the suffering of Gaza's population.

In conclusion, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, coupled with Israel's non-compliance with international directives, underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire and concerted efforts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.