Burns returns to Paris, and Israel indicates possible progress in prisoner negotiations. CIA Director William Burns is expected to arrive in Paris tomorrow, Friday, to hold talks with Qatari, Egyptian and Israeli officials.
Israeli War Council member Benny Gantz said that there are preliminary indicators that enhance the possibility of progress in the negotiations towards a new exchange deal. CNN quoted informed sources as saying that there is no chance for Israel to agree to a permanent ceasefire without releasing the detained Israelis in Gaza, and that through a pause, even if it is temporary, discussions can continue that would end the conflict.