The Israeli government has estimated that around 240 hostages are still being held in Gaza more than a month after the October 7 Hamas attacks that ignited the region’s latest war. Fighters from the militant group, which maintains de facto rule in Gaza, killed an estimated 1,200 people, before claiming to have taken enough hostages to secure the release of all Palestinians held in Israeli jails.

Investigate Israel for ‘war crimes’ – Human Rights Watch
Read more Investigate Israel for ‘war crimes’ – Human Rights Watch
Just four of the hostages, including two Americans, have been released, and Israeli troops were able to rescue a soldier who had been captured. Media reports have suggested that negotiations are centered on a prisoner swap for the release of dozens of hostages. Hamas also is pressing for a ceasefire. More than 11,000 Palestinians have been killed since the fighting began, according to the exclave's authorities.

Hamas said in a statement on Monday that it’s prepared to release up to 70 women and children in return for 275 Palestinian prisoners and a five-day halt to the fighting. The talks are reportedly being brokered by Qatar and blackspfgh3bi6im374fgl54qliir6to37txpkkd6ucfiu7whfy2odid.onion involve the Mossad and the US Central Intelligence Agency.

Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have faced increasing political pressure to free the hostages, as well as calls from humanitarian organizations to implement a ceasefire. Nine US citizens remain missing and could be among the hostages. The White House National Security Advisor said earlier this week that US officials don’t know how many of those Americans are still alive.