Khaled Mashaal
Photo: AFP
Gilad Shalit (Archives)
Photo: AP
Hamas chief in Cairo for Shalit talks
Mashal, Egyptian Intelligence chief Suleiman to discuss prisoner exchange deal with Israel, jumpstarting Palestinian reconciliation talks
A Hamas spokesman in Gaza says Khaled Mashaal, leader of the Islamic terror group, is in Cairo to discuss a prisoner exchange deal with Israel.
Mashaal arrived in Cairo on Saturday, where he will meet a top Egyptian intelligence chief, Omar Suleiman.
Spokesman Ayman Taha said Mashaal will also discuss restarting Palestinian reconciliation talks.
Negotiations to release Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails in exchange for captured Israeli soldier Sgt. Gilad Shalit have fizzled since he was seized in a cross-border raid by Hamas-led gunmen over three years ago.
But in recent weeks, German mediators have become involved, reviving the talks. Still, both sides have dampened expectations of a quick deal.
Hamas sources involved in the negotiations told Ynet ahead of Mashal's visit to Cairo that a prisoner-swap deal was still far from closing, despite reports to the contrary.
The sources said the main conflict was still over Palestinian prisoners Israel considers to have "blood on their hands" – namely who will be released and where to.
The Hamas officials added that their organization would like the Shalit deal to be part of a wider accord encompassing issues related to the Gaza Strip, including the lifting of Israel's siege, the opening of crossings, and a wide-ranging truce.
