Hamas continue to release messages that a deal for the release of Gilad Shalit can be reached, explaining to the media that the dispute surrounds the organization�s demands for the release of 125 prisoners, terrorists that Israel is unwilling to release.

Little is reported in the daily Israeli media regarding efforts to obtain the soldier�s release, now in his fourth year in Hamas captivity. Rumors circulated earlier in the week that Israel is now aware of his location, and there is talk of a possible military operation towards his release. Other reports of late stated that Israel has been aware of Shalit�s location, but he is surrounded by explosives, eliminating the possibility of a military rescue.

Israel has agreed to 325 names on the Hamas prisoner list of 450, and Hamas continues to insist it will not exhibit any flexibility, stating it is an �all or none� deal.

(Yechiel Spira � YWN Israel)