Biden hopes for Gaza ceasefire deal by start of Ramadan

(Patria) - US President Joe Biden said on Friday he "hopes" for a ceasefire deal in the conflict between Israel and Hamas by the month of Ramadan, but the deal has not yet been signed.

"I hope so, we're still working hard on it. We're not there yet," he told reporters at the White House when asked if he expected a deal by Ramadan, which will begin on March 10 or 11, depending on the lunar calendar, AFP reported.

"We'll get there, but we're not there yet - we may not get there," Biden added, without further explanation, as he moved towards a helicopter to spend the weekend at the presidential retreat of Camp David.

Biden had said earlier this week that he expected a deal by Monday for a six-week pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas.

Biden announced earlier on Friday that the United States would soon begin air-dropping aid into Gaza, a day after dozens of Palestinians were killed near a convoy delivering aid.

Biden said the incident could complicate negotiations, but on Friday he declined to comment on what was hindering the deal, adding:

"I'm not going to tell you that because it will get into negotiations."