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Israel, Hamas Near Deal for Soldier's Release

Israel agrees to free 70 prisoners for Gilad Shalit

By Nick McMaster,  Newser Staff

Posted Nov 23, 2009 1:18 AM CST

(Newser) – Israeli and Hamas officials have confirmed that substantial progress has been made in negotiations for the release of an Israeli soldier captured during the 2006 Gaza war. Israel reportedly approved the release of at least 70 prisoners among the 450 Hamas is seeking for the return of the young staff-sergeant Gilad Shalit. "There is progress," Israeli President Shimon Peres told the Jerusalem Post. "I hope it will lead to a positive conclusion."

A portrait of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, captured by Hamas-allied militants in June 2006, is unveiled at the entrance of the 16th district city hall in Paris last year.
A portrait of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, captured by Hamas-allied militants in June 2006, is unveiled at the entrance of the 16th district city hall in Paris last year.   (AP Photo/Francois Mori)
Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit, 19, was captured in 2006.
Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit, 19, was captured in 2006.   (AP Photo/HO-File)
An Israeli woman holds a banner depicting abducted Israeli soldier Sgt. Gilad Shalit during a protest on the Israel Gaza border earlier this year.
An Israeli woman holds a banner depicting abducted Israeli soldier Sgt. Gilad Shalit during a protest on the Israel Gaza border earlier this year.   (AP Photo/Tsafrir Abayov)
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COMMENTS
Showing 2 of 2 comments
RockyPneumonia
Nov 23, 2009 5:34 AM CST
Well, Stuart, the Israelis have been "brutally oppressive" by insisting that they be allowed to, y'know, breathe.
Stuart
Nov 23, 2009 4:57 AM CST
Gee - lets get another 'unbiased UN commission' to discuss how terrible Israel is while Hamas continues to deny this soldier even the right to visits by the Red Cross. No, no, we can't call the Arabs out on Crimes Against Humnaity - they might get mad.

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