Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 18 as hopes rise for ceasefire and hostage release

Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least 18 people overnight, including six women and four children, health officials said (Ariel Schalit/AP)

Israeli strikes in the Gaza Strip killed at least 18 people overnight, including six women and four children, health officials said on Tuesday, as Israel and Hamas appeared to be closing in on a ceasefire deal to end the 15-month war and release dozens of hostages.

Officials have expressed mounting optimism that they can conclude an agreement in the coming days after more than a year of talks that have repeatedly stalled.