‘Encouraging’ signs in Middle East ceasefire efforts as US envoy visits

The Israeli offensive has caused widespread destruction (Fatima Shbair/AP)

International efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appear to have gained new momentum as the White House said a visit by a senior envoy with Israeli leaders was “going well” and other mediators reported encouraging signs from the warring parties.

The new signs of progress came ahead of a summit this weekend in Paris, where mediators are expected to offer a new proposal.