Report: Progress made on Shalit deal
Palestinian news agency reports of new progress made in negotiations to free IDF's Gaza captive Gilad Shalit, as Egypt convinces Israel to flex prisoners' release criteria. PRC denies deal is imminent
The Palestinian News Agency Maan reported Thursday that a breakthrough has been accomplished in regards to kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.
According to the report, Egypt has been able to convince Israel to accept some of Hamas' demands, including the release of 200 Palestinian prisoners – some of them militant cell leaders – who Israel considers to be "extremely dangerous".
Maan further reported that Israel had agreed to release 100 prisoners as soon as Shalit is transferred to Egypt and 100 more when he arrives in Israel.
Popular Resistance Committees (PRC) spokesman Abu Mujad told Maan he had no information pointing to an imminent deal and that those holding Shalit have not agreed to negotiate their original terms.
Hamas had demanded the release of 1,400 prisoners in return for Gilad Shalit's safe return.
Mujad did acknowledge Israel was willing to make various concessions where Shalit was concerned, adding "we are willing to let him go if Israel agrees to our demands."
Gilad Shalit has been held in Hamas' captivity for 550 days. The Prime Minister's Office has expressed Israel's desire to end the negotiations within the next few weeks, saying "every possible effort to free Shalit is being made."
