US President Joe Biden says he’s hopeful of a ceasefire in Gaza by next week. Negotiations have been grinding on for weeks in Qatar – but Biden reckons “we’re close” – with representatives from Hamas and Israel said to be nearing an agreement on the release of the Israeli hostages. Others are doubtful there can be a lasting truce while Hamas leader Yehiya Sinwar remains bunkered down in southern Gaza. And across the globe, French President Emmanuel Macron has refused to rule out sending ground troops to Ukraine. Macron says there’s no consensus among European leaders about how to diffuse the conflict, but they must ensure “Russia does not prevail”. His more bullish stance comes as Sweden has finally been given the tick to join NATO. Its Nordic neighbour Finland recently did the same thing, giving up its long-held neutrality to counter Russian aggression.