Biden ‘Premature’ About Ceasefire

Late on Monday evening, US President Joe Biden said he hopes there will be a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel by the end of the coming weekend, i.e. the end of Sunday 3rd March. Apparently, his National Security Advisor tells him that:

"We’re close. It’s not done yet and my hope is by next Monday we’ll have a ceasefire."

But his later comments that high-value Palestinian security prisoners could be released in exchange for female soldiers caught Israeli officials by surprise. So, one wonders whether the US President is trying to force negotiations ahead too quickly.

The latest comments from Hamas officials seem to confirm that. Two of them have described Biden’s comments as premature, saying there are:

"Still big gaps to be bridged . The primary and main issues of the ceasefire and the withdrawal
of Israeli forces are not clearly stated, which delays reaching an agreement."

It looks as if there is much psychological warfare involved in these ceasefire negotiations, with Hamas seeking put further strain on the families and friends of the hostages, so as to increase the pressure on the Israeli War Cabinet.

This early report by BBC News: