Biden says Israel willing to pause war over Ramadan if hostage deal reached
US President Joe Biden says Israel would be willing to halt its war with Hamas in Gaza during the upcoming Muslim fasting month of Ramadan if a deal is reached to release some of the hostages held by the militants. Ramadan is due to start around 10 March. Negotiators from the US, Egypt and Qatar are working on a framework deal under which Hamas would free some of the dozens of hostages it holds, in exchange for the release of Palestinian prisoners and a six-week halt in fighting. During the temporary pause, negotiations would continue over the release of the remaining hostages. Biden’s comment...