Progress reported in Mideast ceasefire, hostage talks

International efforts to broker a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas appear to be gaining new momentum. The new signs of progress came ahead of an expected summit this weekend in Paris, where mediators plan to present a new proposal. White House Mideast envoy Brett McGurk held talks throughout the day Thursday with Israeli leaders and families of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. According to national security spokesman John Kirby, the discussions were “going well.”