According to Arab media reports, quoting al-Hayat and BBC Arabic, persons involved in ongoing talks towards obtaining Gilad Shalit’s release were permitted to see the soldier as negotiations continue to close a deal. Reports speak of four French physicians who were permitted to visit with Shalit to confirm his situation.

The London-based el-Hayat adds that the German mediator seeking to close the deal was also present. It appears that the mediator gave his word that Israel would not strike the place where Shalit was being held and a rescue operation would not be atempted. The report adds that during the time of the visit, IAF drones hovered over Gaza, monitoring events.

The physicians assessed his medical condition, the report adds, concluding the entire area around Shalit is heavily bobby-trapped, preventing any attempted rescue operation.

An Israel Radio report quoting the Arab media reports states the move was permitted by Hamas as a confidence-building measure in the hope of signing a deal that will result in Israel’s release of hundreds of murderous terrorists.

Another Arab media report states that Hamas has backed down from demands that Israeli Arab terrorists are to be included among those released by Israel, a move that was met with adamant Israeli refusal.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)