CEASEFIRE IS IN SIGHT

Israel & Hamas talks continue as airstrike kills dad and kids

- CHRIS HUGHES

ISRAEL and Hamas are thought to be just days away from settling on a ceasefire deal which would temporarily end 14 months of bloody war in Gaza.

Intense hostage and prisoner swap talks are underway in Qatar and Defence Minister Israel Katz says his country "is closer than ever to another hostage deal".

Philadelphi is a route bordering Egypt while Netzarim splits north and south Gaza. Hamas previously refused to agree a deal which included troops remaining there.

But Katz was quoted as saying: "The Philadelphi and Netzarim corridors won't constitute an obstacle. Hamas is flexible on this issue... They understand that we aren't going to end the war." Israeli intelligence agencies Shin Bet and Mossad have both claimed a hostage deal and temporary halt in fighting is edging closer.