White House pushes for Gaza ceasefire ahead of Ramadan, will increase aid

The White House emphasised the necessity of a temporary ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate a hostage agreement and urged Hamas to agree to the existing terms.

This call was made as negotiations for establishing a truce continued in Cairo on Monday. 

John Kirby, the national security spokesperson for the White House, told journalists that the US remains hopeful of finalising a deal to exchange a ceasefire for hostages before the beginning of Ramadan on 10 March.

Kirby added that Hamas has not yet accepted the terms of a suggested ceasefire agreement, which would involve a six-week ceasefire in return for releasing some hostages who are sick, elderly, and wounded. 

He also said that the US plans to increase humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza through airdrops and is considering a maritime approach to transport additional assistance. He noted that the delivery of aid by trucks has faced delays due to resistance from certain members of Israel's cabinet.

"Israel bears a responsibility here to do more," he said.