A U.S. official says mediators are preparing for a possible cease-fire and hostage-release deal in Gaza, in a sign that mediators believe an agreement to end the 10-month Israel-Hamas war might be imminent. The official spoke to reporters Friday on condition of anonymity in keeping with White House rules. The official said the proposal currently on the table basically bridges every gap between Israel and Hamas and mediators were making preparations before the final agreement was set. It was unclear what measures were being taken before the deal is approved, but the official said a new “implementation cell” was being established in Cairo in preparation. The cell would focus on the logistics of any agreement.