US President Joe Biden has said that no party in the Middle East should undermine efforts to reach a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal that he claimed was now in sight, but he warned that it was “far from over”, Reuters reports

“No one in the region should take actions to undermine this process,” Biden wrote on social media.

He later told reporters he was optimistic about prospects for a ceasefire.

“As of an hour ago, it’s still in play. I’m optimistic. It’s far from over,” he said. “There’s a couple more issues. I think we’ve got a shot,” he added, without elaborating.

Asked when a ceasefire deal would start if a deal is reached, Biden said: “That remains to be seen.”