Mediators ‘preparing to implement ceasefire deal before final agreement’

US president Joe Biden sounded optimistic, saying 'we are closer than we’ve ever been' to an agreement

Palestinians evacuate a school that had been their shelter, in eastern Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

Mediators are preparing to implement a Gaza ceasefire and hostage-swap deal to end the 10-month Israel-Hamas war before a final agreement is set, a US official said on Friday.

The official, who spoke to reporters on condition of anonymity, said the proposal currently on the table basically bridges every gap between Israel and Hamas.