‘Progress made’ in talks over Israel-Hamas ceasefire and hostage release

Palestinians look at a damaged building following an overnight Israeli strike in Deir al-Balah (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

US and Arab mediators made significant progress overnight toward brokering a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and the release of scores of hostages held in the Gaza Strip – but a deal has not been reached yet, officials said.

Three officials acknowledged progress has been made and said the coming days would be critical for ending more than 15 months of fighting that has destabilised the Middle East.