Egypt FM: Shalit's status unknown
Amos Gilad heads to Cairo to continue truce talks that will include kidnapped soldier, Gaza crossings
One day after the last of the IDF soldiers in Gaza left the Strip, Israel and the Palestinians are set to launch post-ceasefire negotiations through Egypt. Gilad and Suleiman will continue talks on the joint effort to halt smuggling activity on the Egypt-Gaza border.
Negotiations with the Palestinians are expected to raise two pressing issues: The first is that of the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit, and the second is that of the crossings, which the Palestinians are demanding be kept open.
Israeli officials believe negotiations on Gilad Shalit can be re-launched after Hamas heads emerge from the shelters in which they sought cover during the military operation in Gaza. Such negotiations would take place indirectly, through Egypt.
In relation to this Egyptian foreign minister, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, said Wednesday that neither Egypt nor Israel had information on the fate of Shalit, held by Hamas since his abduction in June 2006.
Whether "Shalit is alive or not is a question that needs to be studied. I have no information (about it) and I think the Israeli side does not, "he said.
In addition, Hamas has stated that the opening of the border crossings is a condition for the ceasefire and has given Israel a week to fulfill its demands. They also demand that Egypt open the Rafah crossing, which it has so far refused to do.
However international pressure may lead to Rafah's opening, in accordance with an agreement signed between Israel, Egypt, the US, and the Palestinians in 2005.
