According to an Arabic newspaper based in the eastern capital, the German mediator involved in the talks towards obtaining the release of Gilad Shalit is set to return to the region at month’s end.

According to the report, based on high-level sources in Cairo, the mediator is expected to visit the region from February 23rd – 26th.

During a visit on Tuesday to Modi’in, President Shimon Peres commented that Israel is willing to take considerable steps towards obtaining Shalit’s release, but not without limits. He explained the problem appears to lie with the other side, namely Hamas.

Hamas of course blames Israel, explaining it has compromised as much as it intends to and now the ball rests in Israel’s court.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)