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Sunday, 17 October 2010

Israel has resumed negotiations with Hamas that could see up to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners released in exchange for the release of an Israeli soldier.

Israel has resumed negotiations with Hamas that could see up to 1,000 Palestinian prisoners released in exchange for the release of an Israeli soldier.

 
Gilad Shalit has been held by Hamas since he was captured in a cross-border raid in June 2006
Gilad Shalit has been held by Hamas since he was captured in a cross-border raid in June 2006 Photo: AP
Nineteen-year-old Gilad Shalit was captured on June 25, 2006, in a daring cross-border raid by gunmen from Gaza in an operation in which two other Israeli soldiers and two militants were killed.
His captors have denied Red Cross access, although they did release an audio recording and a videotape with messages from the soldier saying he was in good health and urging the Israeli government to meet Hamas demands for a prisoner exchange.
However, the sides could not agree on how many of the detainees, classified by Israel as having "blood on their hands", would be allowed to return to their West Bank homes, and how many would be exiled.
Yesterday Mr Netanyahu confirmed that the mediator had returned to discussions
"We're constantly working in various ways to try and bring Gilad home," Mr Netanyahu said. However, he refused to provide details saying he didn't think it was "effective to conduct talks in the media."

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