Report: German mediator in Gaza with Israel's response
Al-Jazeera network says mediator in possible prisoner exchange deal has arrived in Strip to deliver Israel's answer to Hamas' recent offer. 'If Israel's response is unconvincing, the entire deal will be reexamined,' Palestinian source states
The sources, defined by the network as reliable, told the network's reporter in Gaza that the emissary would meet Monday with senior Hamas members and give them Israel's response to the offer.
One of the sources reiterated that this was a crucial stage in the deal's future. A positive Israeli response, he said, would advance the completion of the deal, while an "unconvincing response for the Palestinian side" would prompt the sides to meticulously examine each and every detail of the deal.
On Sunday, al-Jazeera reported that the mediator had arrived in Tel Aviv with Hamas' response to Israel's latest offer for a deal that would see captive soldier Gilad Shalit released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
A Palestinian source familiar with the prisoner exchange negotiations told the Arab news network's reporter in Gaza that the next 48 hours will be critical in determining whether a deal can be finalized imminently.
