Officials in the administration of US President Joe Biden are making another push for a ceasefire in Gaza. They reportedly want to reach a deal within the next few weeks, before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

The negotiators have come under renewed pressure from the families of Israeli hostages. They managed during a ceasefire in November to free more than 100 captives in return for the release of 240 Palestinian prisoners. However, Israeli commanders and Hamas leaders put an end to the exchanges when they accused each other of violating the truce.

CIA director William Burns has been working to free the remaining hostages. US news outlets reported he will meet in Paris on Friday with mediators from Israel, Egypt and Qatar.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Thursday that hostage negotiators from his country will be granted more authority.

However, he has also said that his forces are still preparing for their next operation in Gaza. They have threatened to launch a ground offensive in the southern city of Rafah, where more than 1.4 million Palestinians have taken refuge.