According to a report appearing in the daily London-based Arabic el-Hayat newspaper, Israel has turned to some European officials seeking assistance towards obtaining the release of Gilad Shalit, now being held captive by Hamas in Gaza for 900 days.

The report basis itself on senior Hamas officials in Gaza, stating Israel has explained that it is not turning to the European community to replace Egypt’s negotiating role, but to work on a separate parallel track.

The responses from Gaza are somewhat contradictory, with one official stating Egypt is viewed as the only mediator and Hamas will not accept European intervention.

According to a Yisrael HaYom report, unnamed “senior Hamas officials in Gaza” are disappointed with Egypt’s handling of the case, and they are indeed willing to entertain dealing with a European nation, perhaps Germany, who successfully negotiated the Regev-Goldwasser prisoner deal between Israel and Hizbullah.

According to the el-Hayat report, Israel has informed European officials that Jerusalem is willing to exhibit additional flexibility towards reaching a deal with Hamas towards obtaining Shalit’s release.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)