President Joe Biden has voiced optimism for a potential ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, indicating a target of “next Monday” for its realization.

During a visit to an ice cream shop in New York City alongside comedian Seth Meyers, Biden shared his aspirations for a cessation of hostilities. “Well, I hope by the beginning of the weekend, I mean, the end of the weekend,” Biden remarked when questioned about the timeline for a ceasefire. He further elaborated, “My national security adviser tells me that we’re close. We’re close, it’s not done yet. And my hope is that by next Monday we’ll have a ceasefire.”

Progress toward a resolution was noted earlier on Monday, with CNN reporting that Hamas has shown flexibility in negotiations, easing some of its demands. This shift follows Israeli criticism of Hamas’ initial stance as “delusional.” Two sources familiar with the discussions revealed that this development has brought the negotiating parties closer to an initial agreement, potentially halting the fighting and leading to the release of a group of Israeli hostages.

A senior Biden administration official disclosed to CNN that significant obstacles have been overcome, particularly regarding Hamas’s insistence on a full Israeli withdrawal and an immediate end to the conflict. Additionally, Hamas has shown a willingness to reduce its demands regarding the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released.

While progress has been made, future discussions are expected to address more complex issues, including the release of Israeli soldiers held by Hamas and the permanent cessation of hostilities.

Efforts towards a ceasefire and a hostage release deal are ongoing, with representatives from involved nations convening in Doha following a meeting in Paris. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller emphasized the commitment to pursuing a deal that could alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people.

Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed cautious optimism regarding the negotiations, emphasizing the importance of a realistic approach from Hamas. Despite the diplomatic efforts, Netanyahu reiterated Israel’s determination to ensure its security interests, including military action if necessary.

As negotiations continue, hopes are high for a breakthrough that could bring much-needed relief to the conflict-affected regions. However, the road to a lasting ceasefire remains fraught with challenges that require careful navigation by all parties involved.