'Each side has to "find a way to compromise on some things… " ' Could the problem be that from day 1 Hamas has refused to compromise on anything, they make a point of saying that their demands have not changed?

it was reported, that israel now gave in (finally) regarding the location-to-be-released-to, plus some (more) murderers... according to hamas (newspaper reports), these were the MAIN issues, absolutely unacceptable, which had previously negotiations failed... and now it is something else ? these are "negotiations". if they go into that, without the slightest intent do negotiate, then - seriously - this has to stop... im very sorry for gilad...

Gilad's fate is a microcosm. I have been saying this for more than five years. Whenever the political radar screen lights up in the region the fear increases in his room. Everything is interconnected. His position is linked to the overall peace negotiations. The problem is a multi-faceted and multi-dimensional one. It may seem an impossible situation but I maintain that it is possible to secure his safe release. If the right moves on the cube are made in the right order at the right time things will open up. However there must be vision of the steps to the solution and the willingness to act. What is also pivotal is that all sides of the problem must be looked at. I believe the quandary now is that the various parties do not have the correct orientation, neutrality or divine mandate to do the job. Negotiating about Gilad will lead to a dead end if the multitudes of other factors are not taken into account. The wisdom of Solomon is required, but the essential ingredient is trust. Is there a person alive today who is on top of the issues, is fit and able, has been prepared consciously and sub-consciously for the job and is now ready who will be able to make sure that all the various parties stick to their agreements ? i.e. He will have divine sway and will be loyal to G-d and his mission above all else. Yes there is. Hamas is not stupid and knows the value of Gilad. They also understand that the Sword of Damocles is hanging over their heads and if any harm befalls him the gates of hell will be unleashed. Please take note everyone...There is a way forward. Vision, courage and trust building must prevail. Think Tent of Meeting idea. A step by step process can be implemented if everyone gets on board. This lull in proceedings is positive but if something isn’t done soon things could spiral down out of control. The various people in Israel actually may be too close to the forest to see the trees. What will it be ? Spiritually uplifting thermals of potential for the Holy Land or downward spiralling vortexes of evil ? Prayers for Gilad Shalit..

Israel needs to find where Shalit is already and rescue him. This should be NO. 1 priority. Stop this charade and don't let Hamas have even 1 prisoner in exchange. If they want to negotiate, It should be 1 for 1 and not 1 for 1000. It just shows how much an Israeli soldier worth compare to Hamas rats.

The whole Shalit incident was mis-handled from day one. We should have given Hamas an ultimatum from the beginning, release Shalit unharmed, unconditionally or we will take extreme measures, including targeted assassinations of Hamas leadership. And, rather than our usual blah, blah, blah, our media circus, & the rather unhelpful behavior of Shalit's father, we should have begun sanctions immediately. Being ''reasonable'' is a big disadvantage when dealing with the criminally insane fanatics of Hamas.

Just like Terry said, Hamas should be given an ultimatum today: for every rocket fired at Israel a Hamas building will be destroyed. As well, each rocket/mortar means the Philadelphi corridor will be carpet bombed/shelled for a week to collapse as many of the smuggling tunnels as possible. It is simply a stupid policy to "tolerate" Hamas attacks on Israel. Hamas says that they will "never" negotiate peace with Israel and they are committed to military conflict, so there is no reason to be "reasonable" with them.

4, 5, 6, 7: this is a second, edited, attempt to remind you what happened. Shalit was kidnapped on June 25 IDF launched a rescue attempt on June 28 To relieve Hamas, Hezbolla attacked Israel on July 12. As a result of the attack and the defeat in the Second Lebanon War, Labor/Kadima suspended rescue operations After the IDF rehabilitation 2.5 years later, Israel launched the Cast Lead operation to rescue Shalit. Despite military success, Labor/Kadima could not withstand the pressure of NGOs, suspended Cast Lead before Shalit was rescued. A new rescue attempt is estimated to lead to 5000-10000 dead Hamas soldiers (and another 30% civilians).