Progress Made as Biden Optimistic About Releasing Hostages Held by Hamas: Deal on the Horizon

President Joe Biden expressed confidence on Tuesday that a resolution can be achieved to secure the release of hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. He conveyed optimism, noting that ongoing discussions to secure the hostages' freedom are close to reaching an agreement. Speaking at the White House, Biden revealed that he has been engaging in daily conversations with the relevant individuals involved in the negotiations, but opted not to divulge specific details at this time.

According to a senior US official who is knowledgeable about the discussions, Israel and Hamas are nearing an agreement to free hostages captured during the Hamas attacks on Israel. This would be done in exchange for a prolonged cessation of fighting. The official emphasized that although progress has been made in reaching a deal, the negotiations are still unpredictable and may falter. Additionally, a European diplomat stated on Monday that they were hopeful that the release of certain hostages could occur in the near future, either within days or weeks.

The current discussions involve Hamas releasing a significant number of hostages while Israel simultaneously frees Palestinian prisoners. This exchange would occur during a prolonged pause in fighting that may last up to five days, although specifics such as the duration of the pause are still uncertain.

When asked on Tuesday for his message to families anxiously waiting for updates on their loved ones held captive, Biden responded, "Stay strong, we are on our way."

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Roger Carstens held a meeting on Monday evening in Washington, DC, with family members of certain US hostages, according to a US official briefed on the matter. The family members were present in the city for a pro-Israel march scheduled for Tuesday.

According to a Hamas spokesman and a source familiar with the negotiations, Israel has recently made a request for the release of 100 hostages.

The Qassam Brigades, Hamas' military wing, released a statement indicating that negotiations were underway concerning the potential release of 70 women and children. In return, there would be a five-day cessation of hostilities. According to a high-ranking Israeli official, the progress of hostage negotiations is currently in motion and being managed by Qatar, the CIA, and Israel's intelligence agency Mossad.

Hamas has been recognized by the official as aiming to release as minimal individuals as possible in return for an extended ceasefire. However, the official stated that Israel would only agree to such an arrangement if a substantial and legitimate agreement were presented. "But it must be a genuine and substantial agreement," emphasized the official.

The Israeli official perceived the pressure exerted on Hamas as effective, suggesting that progress in the negotiations was possible, and the situation could rapidly evolve.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured CNN's Dana Bash on Sunday that they are making relentless efforts to secure the release of the hostages. However, he refrained from providing any specific information regarding the matter.

As previously reported by CNN, the ongoing negotiations involve a plan where the hostages would gradually leave Gaza. This process will prioritize the safe exit of vulnerable groups, such as children and women. It is anticipated that this operation will span across several days.

Only a small number of hostages, including two American citizens, have been freed thus far since the commencement of the conflict. Following their release, Biden disclosed that Israel had agreed to a temporary cessation in order to ensure their safe return.

According to two officials interviewed by CNN, one of the challenges in the ongoing negotiations has been confirming the list of names for both the hostages and Palestinian prisoners that would be released by Hamas and Israel, respectively, as part of the agreement. Israel is determined to ensure that none of the released prisoners have ties to Hamas, and has been closely examining the suggested names put forth in the procedure.

The sluggish progress of the talks can be attributed to a lack of information regarding the hostages being held by Hamas. Since other groups, such as Islamic Jihad, are also suspected of holding hostages, negotiators were uncertain which individuals Hamas would be able to release as part of a potential agreement.

The negotiations have been hampered by continuous fighting and logistical difficulties. Communication blackouts in Gaza have prevented Hamas leaders in the strip from communicating with their political counterparts in Qatar, further slowing down the process.

The complexity of indirect diplomacy, which includes involvement from mediators from Qatar, has resulted in delays of several hours or even days for message exchanges between all parties involved, according to a US official. While acknowledging the cumbersome nature of indirect negotiations, the official emphasized their necessity.