US President Joe Biden's Middle East adviser, Brett McGurk, has stated that there will be a "significant pause" in the Israel-Hamas war if hostages held in Gaza are freed. McGurk emphasized that the release of hostages would result in a surge of humanitarian relief. Efforts by Qatar have led to the release of four captives so far, with hopes of freeing the remaining hostages. Israel has refused to agree to a ceasefire until all hostages are released.