Israel and Hamas played down chances of an imminent breakthrough in talks for a cease-fire in Gaza. Their comments followed remarks by U.S. President Joe Biden, who said Israel has agreed to pause its offensive during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan if a deal is reached to release some hostages held by the militants. The president’s remarks came on the eve of the Michigan primary, where he faces pressure from the state’s large Arab American population over his staunch support for Israel’s offensive. Biden said his comments reflected his optimism for a deal, not that all the remaining hurdles had been overcome.
