Cairo: Israel and Hamas are making progress towards a ceasefire deal that aims to bring about the release of hostages being held in the Gaza Strip, according to two officials with direct knowledge of the negotiations. This comes as Israel has intensified its offensive in the southern Gaza town, where most of the displaced Palestinians have crammed into to seek shelter from fighting elsewhere.Cairo: Israel and Hamas are making progress towards a ceasefire deal that aims to bring about the release of hostages being held in the Gaza Strip, according to two officials with direct knowledge of the negotiations. This comes as Israel has intensified its offensive in the southern Gaza town, where most of the displaced Palestinians have crammed into to seek shelter from fighting elsewhere.