"Ongoing negotiations underway to free US hostages held by Hamas"

Negotiations are underway to free the hostages taken by Hamas and other terror groups in Gaza, with Qatar mediating the deal-making between Israel and Hamas. The United States is actively involved in these discussions, working to ensure the safe return of every American and other person being held hostage. President Biden has expressed his appreciation to Qatar for their efforts and condemned the holding of hostages by Hamas. One of the main sticking points in the negotiations is that Hamas has not provided a list of hostages it holds or would be able to free. Israel wants this information to determine the number of abductions. Hamas has released only four hostages so far, and there are reports of a potential prisoner swap, although no deal has been confirmed. The focus of the negotiations has been on civilian hostages, particularly children and the elderly.