Once again, Arab media reports continue to release information on ongoing efforts towards a prisoner release deal that will result in the release of Gilad Shalit and hundreds of terrorists.

According a al-Shark al-Awsat report, Israel is not exhibiting flexibility regarding Hamas demands for the release of senior terrorists, or in some cases, Israel agrees to the release on condition they are deported, a move that remains objectionable to Hamas. The report quotes anonymous reliable sources close to the negotiations.

Israel Radio also reports there is disagreement among senior Hamas leaders, with some in favor of halting any deal that does not include all the terrorists appearing on the organization’s list, while others seem willing to accept the best deal they can get, wishing to actualize the release of some 1,000 terrorists.

As usual, Israel reports efforts to obtain Shalit’s release are ongoing but no official statements are being release to confirm or deny the Arab press reports.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)