Hamas: Prisoner deal closer than ever
Representative of organization holding captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit reports progress in Cairo talks between parties, says Israeli envoy Ofer Dekel's remaining in Egypt shows Israel serious this time, while entire Hamas leadership in Cairo 'has authority to close deal'
Israeli sources cautiously reported progress in talks with Hamas in Egypt, that led Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's special envoy Ofer Dekel to prolong his stay in Cairo. Meanwhile, Hamas officials in Cairo said a decision could be made, and there would be no need for further 'consultation rounds'.
A Hamas source told Ynet the group "is not working under Israel or any other body's pressure to close the Shalit deal".
The source said there was no change on Hamas' part regarding the list of prisoners it demands be released in exchange for the captive Israeli soldier and "the only thing that will seal the deal is Israel's adherence to the demands made by the movement and the organizations holding the soldier".
The sources added that there was a feeling of "flexibility in Israel's stance", which could lead to progress in the negotiations.
"While the Israelis displayed different levels of seriousness in the past, and on certain occasions were pretty serious, we can tell that this time they are taking the talks more seriously than in the past. But I cannot confirm they have approved all 450 prisoners, which we won't close the deal without."
The sources refused to state how many prisoners Israel demanded be sent to Gaza or abroad. He said this matter was negotiable. Nonetheless, he, and other sources close to the talks have noted that, in the technical aspect with regards to the running of negotiations, the two parties have never been this close.
"Up until now, Hamas delegations for Shalit talks were spread out after rounds of talks between Damascus and the Strip, and the Israeli side would also disappear for weeks and sometimes months at a time.
"But this time, thanks to the dialogue, the whole Hamas leadership is in Cairo and has the authority to close a deal. The decision to keep Dekel close to the Hamas representatives transmits seriousness, and a greater chance for significant progress in the deal."
