Negotiators are making progress in the ongoing talks to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas, according to multiple sources familiar with the negotiations. The discussions, which have been described as difficult, are being facilitated by the U.S. and Qatar. Although there is no firm agreement in place, a written draft agreement is being circulated among the parties involved. White House deputy national security advisor Jon Finer stated that many of the differences that previously existed have been narrowed, bringing the negotiators closer to a final agreement.

However, the delicate nature of the negotiations has prevented officials from providing detailed information to the public. Previous deals have come close to fruition before collapsing, adding to the caution surrounding the current talks. Last week, hopes were high for a breakthrough, but complications arose when the Israeli military took action at al-Shifa hospital, leading to tensions with Hamas.

A source familiar with the draft agreement revealed that the proposal currently on the table includes the release of 50 hostages on the first day, accompanied by a limited pause in fighting for a period of four days, with six hours of ceasefire each day. Following the initial release, another 20-25 hostages could be set free. However, Israeli officials have demanded that Hamas provide information about all the captives in their possession, as the exact number of hostages is still unknown.

The U.S. has not provided any intelligence to confirm Israel's belief that hostages are being held at al-Shifa hospital. However, the U.S. did issue downgraded intelligence indicating that Hamas and other militant groups have used the hospital as a command center and a site for storing weapons and hostages. The Israeli military continues to exploit the hospital to gather further information.

While White House officials declined to comment on the ongoing diplomacy, Qatar's Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani expressed optimism about the progress made in the negotiations. According to Al Thani, the remaining sticking points are minor logistical issues, and the parties involved are close to reaching an agreement.

The negotiations have been described as intensive and ongoing, with the involvement of the CIA director Bill Burns and President Biden himself, who has been in communication with the Emir of Qatar. The U.S. is working closely with Qatar to mediate the talks, with proposals being passed between Doha, Gaza, and Israel.

Despite the progress made, there are uncertainties regarding the conditions and status of the hostages. Deputy US National Security Adviser Jon Finer acknowledged the lack of information and emphasized the urgency of securing their release. At least nine American citizens and one permanent US resident are among the hostages being held by Hamas, according to US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

The negotiations aim to not only secure the release of the hostages but also to bring about a significant pause in the fighting and a surge of humanitarian relief. The release of women and children held in Israeli detention centers has been one of Hamas' demands. The onus remains on Hamas to release all of the hostages, including women, children, toddlers, and babies, according to Brett McGurk, President Biden's top Mideast adviser.

As the negotiations continue, the priority for President Biden's administration is to ensure the safe release of the hostages as soon as possible. The toll of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel has been revised to at least 1,200 Israelis killed, while estimates from the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry suggest that around 11,500 Palestinians have been killed during Israel's retaliatory assaults in Gaza. However, the credibility of these figures is questionable.