"Progress Made in Israel-Hamas Hostage Release Deal, White House Official Confirms"

The U.S. believes that a deal between Israel and Hamas to release hostages held by the terrorist group is close, according to a top national security adviser to President Biden. While many areas of difference have been narrowed, there is still no final agreement in place. Qatar's prime minister stated that the remaining obstacles to a deal are practical and logistical. Roughly 240 hostages were taken during the Oct. 7 attack, with only four released so far. The Biden administration considers this issue a high priority, and there are calls for President Biden to speak out more clearly on Israel's military goals and protection of civilians.