Hamas rejects cease-fire proposal, dashing Biden's hopes for near-term deal

There have been ongoing efforts towards achieving a truce between Israel and Hamas during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed optimism about reaching an agreement, proposing a 40-day ceasefire. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is reluctant to halt military operations until Hamas is defeated. Hamas officials have downplayed the progress made in negotiations and stated that significant gaps still need to be bridged.