Gilad Shalit. No breakthrough yet Photo: Noam Rotem
Proposal to transfer Shalit to Egypt
Senior Palestinian source tells Ynet that in the framework of negotiations over Kidnapped soldier's release, possibility he be handed over to Egyptians is being considered. Cairo official: Still no breakthrough in talks
In the framework of negotiations over the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit, "we are looking into the possibility of handing him over to Egypt until Israel fulfills the Palestinians and the abductors' demand to free Palestinian prisoners," a senior Palestinian official told Ynet Tuesday.
Mashaal Speaks
Hamas: Abducted soldier still in Gaza / Roee Nahmias
Politburo chief Mashaal: Hamas unable to smuggle Gilad Shalit out of Strip due to IDF siege
The negotiations over Shalit's release continue, mainly via Egyptian mediation. One of the central clauses of the talks stipulates that there will be no direct contacts between the Israeli government and Hamas.
According to the agreement that is being formulated by both sides, whose basic principles were agreed upon by Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Shin Bet head Yuval Diskin, Shalit is to be transferred either to Egypt or to Abbas' hands. In exchange, Israel will cease military operations, primarily in the Strip, suspend all targeted killings and work to release Palestinian prisoners. Once the prisoners are freed, Shalit will be returned to Israel.
The new clause in this deal refers to the possibility that Shalit be handed over to the Egyptians.
Cairo confirms 'outline' for deal
On Monday, PA Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh said that the Palestinian government continues its efforts to resolve the crisis that would include Shalit's release, ending the Israeli military offensive and "taking into consideration the suffering of the tens of thousands of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails."
Egyptian sources confirmed the report, but said it has not been decided yet whether Shalit will be transferred to Egypt or to Abbas. Officials in Cairo said that no breakthrough has been registered in the negotiations until now, but stated that "this is the outline aimed at resolving the Shalit affair."
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