Officials say progress being made on Gaza ceasefire talks

People queue to receive food in Rafah as calls grow for Israel not to go ahead with a planned assault on Gaza’s southernmost city. Photograph: Ibraheem Abu Mustafa/Reuters

Israel and Hamas are making progress towards a deal that would bring about a ceasefire and free hostages held in the Gaza Strip, officials with knowledge of the talks have said.

The US national security council spokesperson, John Kirby, speaking as negotiations were held in the Egyptian capital, Cairo, said: “They’ve been constructive and moving in the right direction.”