Palestinian children take part in a candle-light vigil in Gaza City on November 25, 2009 to call for the release of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Israel is refusing to free a group of Palestinian prisoners serving life terms or long sentences demanded by Hamas in exchange for a captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit who is being held by militants in Gaza, officials close to the talks on a deal said. Both Hamas and Israel earlier this week reported progress in the negotiations, which have been mediated by Egypt and Germany, but downplayed reports of a quick deal. Photo by Mohammed Othman