Senior Defense Ministry official Amos Gilad, a retired IAF fighter pilot and senior officer, is heading to Cairo on Sunday for talks with a number of officials, including Egyptian Intelligence Chief General Omar Suleiman.

Gilad awaits Hamas’ response to Israel’s conditions towards acceptance of a temporary halt in fighting; primarily the terror organization’s willingness to include Gilad Shalit in such a deal to ensure the IDF soldier is set free.

Amos Gilad told reporters he does not envision Hamas agreeing to Israel’s demands at present.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert recently told Suleiman, who was visiting in Israel, that Israel is remaining firm on a number of issues, with the release of Shalit atop of the list, sending Suleiman back to present Israel’s position to terrorist leaders.

Since his departure from Israel, Suleiman reports continuing efforts towards a cessation in fighting in Gaza, but there have not been any encouraging signs from Hamas leaders.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)