Hamas rejects Biden's optimism on ceasefire

President Joe Biden expressed cautious optimism regarding a potential ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, stating that a deal is "much, much closer" than before. However, a spokesman for Hamas, Dr. Ahmad Abdulhadi, countered this claim, asserting that negotiations have stalled due to additional conditions imposed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Abdulhadi emphasized that the situation remains complicated, with mediators indicating unresolved disagreements, suggesting that Biden's statements may be aimed at maintaining a positive narrative in the media. As tensions escalate, fresh Israeli strikes have been reported in Lebanon and Gaza, further complicating the situation. The U.S., Qatar, and Egypt released a joint statement indicating progress in negotiations, with hopes of bridging gaps in a new proposal. Despite this, Hamas has expressed skepticism about the latest offer, which they claim diverges significantly from previous agreements. The ongoing conflict has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths since the military campaign began following the October 7 attacks that killed more than 1,200 Israelis. Biden's administration has faced criticism for its handling of the ceasefire efforts, with previous attempts yielding little success. As Secretary of State Antony Blinken prepares to travel to the Middle East to continue diplomatic efforts, a senior Iranian official warned that Iran would retaliate against Israel if negotiations falter. The situation remains precarious, with both sides preparing for further discussions next week, amid fears of a broader regional conflict.