Biden ‘hopes Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal can take effect by next Monday’

Palestinians wait for humanitarian aid on a beach in Gaza City (Mahmoud Essa/AP)

US President Joe Biden has said he hopes a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that would pause hostilities and allow for remaining hostages to be released can take effect by early next week.

Asked when he hoped such a deal could be finalised, Mr Biden said: “Well I hope by the beginning of the weekend. The end of the weekend.