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)