According to Hamas reports, Israel is prepared to release 71 security prisoners towards obtaining the release of Gilad Shalit.

The so-called security prisoners are terrorists included in Hamas’ list of 300 names, seeking their release from Israeli prisons in an exchange deal that would result in Shalit being set free by the terror organization after some 23 months in captivity.

Israeli officials are not denying or confirming the report, stating they cannot comment on ongoing negotiations.

The entire process aimed at securing Shalit’s release has been clouded in media trial balloons and contradictory statements. One of the major criticisms of Shalit’s parents has been the lack of communiqués from government officials, stating that generally, they receive their news from the electronic and print media like most Israelis.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)