US President Joe Biden's main adviser on the Middle East, Brett McGurk, stated that there would be a "significant pause" in the Israel-Hamas war if the hostages held by militants in Gaza are freed. Hamas terrorists seized around 240 hostages on October 7, resulting in Israel's relentless bombardment and ground offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has claimed the lives of 12,300 people so far.

McGurk emphasized that a release of a large number of hostages would lead to a "significant pause" in the conflict and a surge of humanitarian relief. Efforts by Qatar have already resulted in the release of four captives, including two American citizens, and Israel has freed another. However, the fate of several remaining hostages remains unknown.

US officials, including President Biden, have engaged in negotiations with Qatar's ruling emir, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani, in order to secure the release of the remaining hostages. French President Emmanuel Macron has also joined the discussion, as eight of the captives are French citizens.

The hope is that the release of hostages will open the door to increased aid for Gaza, including food, medicine, and fuel. The situation remains tense as both Israel and Hamas continue to blame each other for the breakdown of negotiations.