The Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal is underway. The first buses carrying 96 terrorists left Ketziot Prison about an hour ago. Hands and feet bound, the bus is carrying terrorists who will be released to PA (Palestinian Authority) autonomous areas in Yehuda and Shomron.

An additional 134 terrorists will leave Ketziot in three different waves during the coming hours, heading to the Kerem Shalom Crossing to Gaza, where Gilad Shalit was taken captive. A representative of the Egyptian diplomatic corps in Israel is at Ketziot to oversee the events.

5 of 47 terrorists slated for release from the Sharon Prison have set out. A terrorist from the Golan Heights area has also been taken from Sharon Prison earlier, heading for the Katzrin police station for release.

According to an al-Jazeera report from Egypt, Shalit will be handed over to Egyptian intelligence officials after a half of the terrorists being released via the border to Egypt cross that location and he will remain in Egypt until the remainder cross into Sinai, then giving the green light to cross into Israel.

Al-Quds, a TV station close to Hizbullah reports that once Shalit arrives in Egypt, IDF or other officials will be permitted to examine him. The report adds an Egyptian official will be on board every bus heading across the border to Egypt to inspect the passengers to make certain they is total compliance with the agreed upon exchange list.

As expected, the Supreme Court late Monday night rejected all the petitions intended on halting the planned prisoner release, petitions filed by bereaved parents and terror victims’ association.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)