While U.S. President Joe Biden's optimism on the Gaza truce breakthrough, has been met with pushback, and surprise from all other stakeholders. While Hamas called his remarks 'premature', Israeli officials say they were caught off guard. Will a ceasefire deal that is reportedly close to being inked fall through? On this episode of Gravitas, we decode the facts on the ground.

Gravitas | Gaza breakthrough possible? Biden hopes for ceasefire, Hamas calls it 'premature'

Clouds of smoke could be seen in Lebanon's Bekaa Valley on Monday (February 26) following Israeli airstrikes that killed at least two Hezbollah members, sources in Lebanon said.

Israel strikes Lebanon's Baalbek for first time since Gaza war

Reports say Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu used state funds to repair his private pool in the middle of this Gaza war. What was the hurry? Couldn't Netanyahu have waited? Also, why was public funds used to repair the tiles of Netanyahu's pool? Here's a report.

Gravitas | Wrong Timing: Netanyahu's private pool gets a war-time upgrade

<p>US President Joe Biden on Monday expressed hope for a ceasefire in Gaza, which he said may happen by the beginning of next week.</p>

<p>This comes amidst escalating humanitarian concerns in the Palestinian territory. In recent days, representatives from Egypt, Qatar, the United States, and France have been mediating between Israel and Hamas, seeking to halt the violence and secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza.</p>

<h2><strong>The deal</strong></h2>

<p>As per an AFP report, a potential deal could involve the exchange of dozens of hostages for several hundred Palestinian detainees held by Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a visit to an ice cream shop in New York City with comedian Seth Meyers, when asked about when a ceasefire might start, Biden said that his national security advisor told him "We're close, we're close, we're not done yet."&nbsp;He expressed optimism that it could be achieved by next Monday.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-army-offers-plan-to-evacuate-gaza-civilians-as-netanyahu-says-rafah-offensive-vital-for-total-victory-693822">Israel Army offers plan to evacuate Gaza civilians as Netanyahu says Rafah offensive vital for 'total victory'</a></strong></p>

<p>"My hope is by next Monday we'll have a ceasefire," Biden said.</p>

<p>Previously, on Sunday, talking to CNN, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan revealed that during the meeting in Paris, representatives from several parties, not including Gaza rulers Hamas, "came to an understanding... about what the basic contours of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire would look like."</p>

<p>Additionally, "experts" from Egypt, Qatar, and the US met in Doha for talks attended by Israeli and Hamas representatives, hoping to secure a truce before the onset of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | ICJ hears final arguments on Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/icj-hears-final-arguments-on-israeli-occupation-of-palestinian-territories-694151/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>What Israel and Hamas said</strong></h2>

<p>However, talking to AFP, a Hamas source revealed that while "some new amendments" were proposed on contentious issues, "Israel did not present any substantive position on the terms of the ceasefire and the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip."</p>

<p>While the group is insisting on the withdrawal of Israeli forces, this demand has been dismissed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "delusional". Instead, he has been adamant that a ceasefire, if reached, will only delay an incursion into Rafah.</p>

<p>In an interview with CBS Sunday, Netanyahu said that a ground invasion of Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, would put Israel within weeks of "total victory" over Hamas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-satellite-images-show-uk-ship-rubymar-abandoned-in-red-sea-after-houthi-missile-strike-693847">Middle East crisis: Satellite images show leaking UK ship Rubymar abandoned in Red Sea after Houthi attack</a></strong></p>

<p>"If we have a (truce) deal, it will be delayed somewhat, but it will happen," he said, adding, "It has to be done because total victory is our goal and total victory is within reach -- not months away, weeks away, once we begin the operation."</p>

<p>However,&nbsp;aid organisations and foreign governments have repeatedly expressed fears that a ground invasion of Rafah will inflict mass casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US President Joe Biden on Monday expressed hope for a ceasefire in Gaza, which he said may happen by the beginning of next week. This comes amidst escalating humanitarian concerns in the Palestinian territory.

US President Joe Biden on Monday expressed hope for a ceasefire in Gaza, which he said may happen by the beginning of next week. This comes amidst escalating humanitarian concerns in the Palestinian territory. In recent days, representatives from Egypt, Qatar, the United States, and France have been mediating between Israel and Hamas, seeking to halt the violence and secure the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza. The deal As per an AFP report, a potential deal could involve the exchange of dozens of hostages for several hundred Palestinian detainees held by Israel. During a visit to an ice cream shop in New York City with comedian Seth Meyers, when asked about when a ceasefire might start, Biden said that his national security advisor told him "We're close, we're close, we're not done yet." He expressed optimism that it could be achieved by next Monday. Also read | Israel Army offers plan to evacuate Gaza civilians as Netanyahu says Rafah offensive vital for 'total victory' "My hope is by next Monday we'll have a ceasefire," Biden said. Previously, on Sunday, talking to CNN, White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan revealed that during the meeting in Paris, representatives from several parties, not including Gaza rulers Hamas, "came to an understanding... about what the basic contours of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire would look like." Additionally, "experts" from Egypt, Qatar, and the US met in Doha for talks attended by Israeli and Hamas representatives, hoping to secure a truce before the onset of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Watch | ICJ hears final arguments on Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories What Israel and Hamas said However, talking to AFP, a Hamas source revealed that while "some new amendments" were proposed on contentious issues, "Israel did not present any substantive position on the terms of the ceasefire and the withdrawal from the Gaza Strip." While the group is insisting on the withdrawal of Israeli forces, this demand has been dismissed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "delusional". Instead, he has been adamant that a ceasefire, if reached, will only delay an incursion into Rafah. In an interview with CBS Sunday, Netanyahu said that a ground invasion of Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city, would put Israel within weeks of "total victory" over Hamas. Also read | Middle East crisis: Satellite images show leaking UK ship Rubymar abandoned in Red Sea after Houthi attack "If we have a (truce) deal, it will be delayed somewhat, but it will happen," he said, adding, "It has to be done because total victory is our goal and total victory is within reach -- not months away, weeks away, once we begin the operation." However, aid organisations and foreign governments have repeatedly expressed fears that a ground invasion of Rafah will inflict mass casualties. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Biden expresses hope, says a ceasefire may happen 'by next Monday'

US President Joe Biden has said that a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza will hopefully come soon into effect (by Monday). Negotiations from Qatar, Egypt, US and France are working.

Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden says, 'We are close to ceasefire, we are not done yet'

Israel prepares assault on Rafah | Hezbollah says fired 60 rockets at Israeli base

Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden says, 'We'll have a ceasefire by Monday'

Israel-Hamas war is raging with each passing day. Soldiers are losing lives on the battlefield. Recently, A 19-year-old Israeli soldier of Indian origin, Sgt. Oz Daniel lost his life. But, he wasn't the first one to lose his life in the battlefield.

Israel war: List of Indian origin soldier killed in Israel-Hamas war

A deal is anticipated between Israel & Hamas. The United States has said that a deal may be close for a ceasefire and hostage deal. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have been mediating truce negotiations since January.

Israel war: What a ceasefire and hostage deal for Gaza could include

US President Joe Biden on Monday expressed hope for a ceasefire in Gaza, which he said may happen by the next Monday. This comes amidst escalating humanitarian concerns in the Palestinian territory.

Israel War | US eyes Israel-Hamas ceasefire by next week

Israel War | Biden: Hoping to close a deal by next Monday

Israel War | Biden: Israel would halt Gaza activities during Ramadan

Israel War: US eyes Israel-Hamas ceasefire by next week

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: President Joe Biden said he hopes to have a ceasefire in the conflict between Israel and Hamas by next week.

Biden says Israel will halt Gaza 'activities' during Ramadan

Israel War: Joe Biden says he hopes for ceasefire by Monday

Israel Prime Minister Netanyahu is under fire at home. Prime Minister's Office has confirmed it financed work on Netanyahu's private pool at his residence.

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EU's foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has outlined four main tasks on the EU's geopolitical agenda which are supporting Ukraine, putting an end to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, implementing the two-state solution and improving ties with the global South.

Gaza ceasefire soon?: EU's geopolitical agenda | In-Live Discussion

Will Israel agree to a ceasefire? 99 hostages remain in Gaza along with dead bodies of 31 others

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that military operation into Gaza's Rafah would put Israel within weeks of total victory over Hamas. He also added that any deal wouldn't prevent Rafah assault. Watch in for more details!

Benjamin Netanyahu: Any deal wouldn't prevent Rafah assault

In the ongoing efforts to secure another Ceasefire Deal in the Israel-Hamas War, the Israeli Prime Minister has learned to have made some last-minute demands. Israeli delegates had met on Friday in Paris with Qatari, Egyptian and US mediators. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war | New demand: High-level prisoners should be deported to Qatar

The Israeli military cabinet was presented with a plan to evacuate Palestinians from the city of Rafah in Gaza and provide humanitarian aid to southern Gaza to prevent looting. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli military presents evacuation plan for Rafah

<p><em><strong>Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.</strong></em></p>

<p>A member of the United States Air Force who self-immolated outside the Israeli embassy in Washington has died, American media reported on Monday (Feb 26). The man's identity has not been revealed yet. He set himself on fire on Sunday afternoon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The man was transported to a local hospital nearby by DC Fire and EMS after the fire was put out by the United States Secret Service (USSS).&nbsp;He was reportedly on fire for about a minute before law enforcement put it out.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/body-of-19-year-old-israeli-soldier-killed-in-hamas-attack-held-in-gaza-report-693779">Body of 19-year-old Israeli soldier killed in Hamas attack held in Gaza: Report</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Who is he?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>As per reports, the man who was wearing fatigues is an active member of the US Air Force.</p>

<p>Reportedly, he was heard shouting, "I will no longer be complicit in genocide. Free Palestine," as he set himself on fire. At the time this report was published, there was no official confirmation of his alleged status as a member of the US Air Force.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="ar">جندي أمريكي سابق يشعل النار بنفسه أمام سفارة الاحتلال في واشنطن، ويهتف "Free Palestine"، ويقول إن حرق نفسه أمر فظيع لكنه ليس بقدر الفظاعة التي تجري في غزة، حالته حرجة جداً .<br />
<br />
واعلنت وزارة الخارجية الاسرائيلية : "اليوم ظهراً أضرم رجل النار في نفسه خارج السفارة الإسرائيلية في… <a href="https://t.co/EWfox2PFyo">pic.twitter.com/EWfox2PFyo</a></p>
— Tamer | تامر (@tamerqdh) <a href="https://twitter.com/tamerqdh/status/1761868202735182057?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Mediators from US, Qatar, Egypt &amp; Israel in Doha for truce talks</strong></p>

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<p>An Air Force spokesperson told the Washington Post they had not identified the man.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On X, the DC Police Department reported that the "MPD (Metropolitan Police Department) responded to the 3500 block of International Drive, NW, at approximately 1:00 pm&nbsp;to assist the United States Secret Service after an individual set themselves on fire in front of an embassy in the block."</p>

<p>As per subsequent statements, the USSS and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were called in to investigate the incident.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-unclear-whether-hostage-deal-will-materialise-says-netanyahu-693775">Israel-Hamas war: Unclear whether hostage deal will materialise, says Netanyahu</a></strong></p>

<p>The presence of a "suspicious vehicle" also led to the involvement of MPD's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), which cleared it as no hazardous materials were found.</p>

<h2><strong>Protests against the war</strong></h2>

<p>Since the start of the War in Gaza, Israel's embassy in Washington has been the target of continued protests. The Israel-Hamas war started on Oct 7&nbsp;after the Palestinian Islamist group killed 1,200 Israelis and seized 253 hostages in a cross-border attack.</p>

<p>As per a CNN report, previously,&nbsp;in December 2023, a person set themselves on fire outside the Israeli Consulate in Atlanta.&nbsp;Police, at the time,&nbsp;said it&nbsp;was "likely an extreme act of political protest."&nbsp;At a news conference, police and fire officials revealed that a Palestinian flag, which was part of the protest, was recovered at the scene, along with evidence suggesting gasoline was used as an accelerant.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. A member of the United States Air Force who self-immolated outside the Israeli embassy in Washington has died, American media reported on Monday (Feb 26).

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. A member of the United States Air Force who self-immolated outside the Israeli embassy in Washington has died, American media reported on Monday (Feb 26). The man's identity has not been revealed yet. He set himself on fire on Sunday afternoon. The man was transported to a local hospital nearby by DC Fire and EMS after the fire was put out by the United States Secret Service (USSS). He was reportedly on fire for about a minute before law enforcement put it out. Also read | Body of 19-year-old Israeli soldier killed in Hamas attack held in Gaza: Report Who is he? As per reports, the man who was wearing fatigues is an active member of the US Air Force. Reportedly, he was heard shouting, "I will no longer be complicit in genocide. Free Palestine," as he set himself on fire. At the time this report was published, there was no official confirmation of his alleged status as a member of the US Air Force. جندي أمريكي سابق يشعل النار بنفسه أمام سفارة الاحتلال في واشنطن، ويهتف "Free Palestine"، ويقول إن حرق نفسه أمر فظيع لكنه ليس بقدر الفظاعة التي تجري في غزة، حالته حرجة جداً . واعلنت وزارة الخارجية الاسرائيلية : "اليوم ظهراً أضرم رجل النار في نفسه خارج السفارة الإسرائيلية في… pic.twitter.com/EWfox2PFyo — Tamer | تامر (@tamerqdh) February 25, 2024 × Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Mediators from US, Qatar, Egypt & Israel in Doha for truce talks An Air Force spokesperson told the Washington Post they had not identified the man. On X, the DC Police Department reported that the "MPD (Metropolitan Police Department) responded to the 3500 block of International Drive, NW, at approximately 1:00 pm to assist the United States Secret Service after an individual set themselves on fire in front of an embassy in the block." As per subsequent statements, the USSS and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) were called in to investigate the incident. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Unclear whether hostage deal will materialise, says Netanyahu The presence of a "suspicious vehicle" also led to the involvement of MPD's Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), which cleared it as no hazardous materials were found. Protests against the war Since the start of the War in Gaza, Israel's embassy in Washington has been the target of continued protests. The Israel-Hamas war started on Oct 7 after the Palestinian Islamist group killed 1,200 Israelis and seized 253 hostages in a cross-border attack. As per a CNN report, previously, in December 2023, a person set themselves on fire outside the Israeli Consulate in Atlanta. Police, at the time, said it was "likely an extreme act of political protest." At a news conference, police and fire officials revealed that a Palestinian flag, which was part of the protest, was recovered at the scene, along with evidence suggesting gasoline was used as an accelerant. (With inputs from agencies)

US Air Force member who self-immolated outside Israeli embassy has died

Israel-Hamas war | Reports: Netanyahu adds last-minute conditions on new deal

The West Bank Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh has resigned from his post. He has cited the situation in Gaza as the main reason behind his decision Shtayyeh says that a broad consensus is needed for a political arrangement in Gaza after Israel's war.

Israel-Hamas war: Who will govern Gaza after the war?

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