1,157 days in captivity. Shalit
Photo: Noam Rotem
Shalit deal: Head of Hamas' military wing leaves for Egypt
Commander of Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades leaves for Cairo amid reports of major progress in prisoner exchange deal meant to end Gilad Shalit's captivity
Has there been further progress on the Shalit deal? Senior Hamas operatives, including head of the Izz al-Din al-Qassam Brigades Ahmed Jabari, reportedly left for Egypt Wednesday, as part of the negotiations meant to secure the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
Since the last time that Jabari left for Cairo to take part in the talks was near the conclusion of former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's term in office, this may suggest major progress has been made in the talks.
Hope
Palestinian website says German Intelligence chief mediated between Israel, Cairo, Hamas, leaving one remaining hurdle in way of prisoner exchange deal for release of Gilad Shalit – Fatah's Marwan Barghouti
Another report suggests that the deal has already been finalized, and that several countries have agreed to harbor Hamas prisoners Israel wants expelled from the area once they are released.
Senior Hamas member Ayman Taha spoke of the latest reports on Tuesday, saying that "while progress has been made, the deal is not finalized and there are still some obstacles to overcome."
Wednesday morning also saw Hadas Shalit, Gilad's younger sister, begin her military service. Noam Shalit, the captive's father, said that the family had no special concerns regarding their daughter's service.
"Our concerns lie with Gilad. We are deep into his fourth year of captivity and there is no light at the end of the tunnel."
Gilad Shalit will turn 23 on Thursday – his fourth birthday in captivity. Several events across Israel will mark the date, including a rally scheduled to be held across from the IDF base in Tel Aviv, where 23 torches will be lit.
