President Joe Biden spoke with Amir Sheikh Tamim Bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar on Friday, and the two leaders discussed the "urgent need" for Hamas to release the roughly 240 hostages the group is holding.

Qatar, where Hamas operates a political office, has become a key player in the negotiations between Israel and Hamas that include but are not limited to the release of the hostages, the increase of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, and the possibility of a ceasefire or humanitarian pauses.

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"The two leaders discussed the urgent need for all hostages held by Hamas to be released without further delay," the White House said in a readout of the call. "The leaders also discussed ongoing efforts to increase the flow of urgently needed humanitarian assistance into Gaza and Israel’s decision to resume fuel deliveries for life-saving aid. The leaders agreed to remain in close touch, including through their teams, on these matters."

The roughly 240 hostages have been held hostage in Gaza against their will since Oct. 7, and only five have been freed. Hamas has agreed to let four people go, one other was rescued, and the Israel Defense Forces have found the bodies of at least two of the hostages during their military operations in Gaza. It's unclear how many of the hostages are still alive and their well-being.

The latest negotiations would include the release of around 50 civilian hostages in exchange for a three-day ceasefire, increase the amount of humanitarian aid allowed into Gaza, and the release of an undisclosed number of Palestinian women and children from Israeli jails, according to Reuters.

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Israeli and United States administration officials have denounced any possible ceasefire arguing that Hamas has a track record of using previous ceasefire agreements to rearm and reposition for future attacks. But, the U.S. has pressed Israel to agree to humanitarian pauses for aid to get into the strip and for civilians to evacuate more safely, which they have largely agreed to do. Israeli officials have also said releasing all of the hostages would be a non-negotiable part of any long-term ceasefire agreement.

It's unknown how long it could take for all of the hostages to be released.