Mashaal yesterday announced a captive-exchange deal, which includes the release of 1,000 Palestinians and 27 women for the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. The process will take place in two phases. The first phase will include the release of 450 captives in a week, and the second phase will be two months after the first and will include the release of 550 captives. The deal is a huge accomplishment for Palestine, Mashaal said. “There are 315 captives that have high prison terms and former prisoners were given priority,” he added. Earlier, a Palestinian source from Hamas denied that the Israeli captive Gilad Shalit arrived to Cairo via Rafah crossing last night, despite assurances from an Egyptian security source. Shalit did not come to Cairo yet, the source said, adding that a large delegation, headed by Khaled Al Ashaal, will arrive in Cairo today to finalize the deal. Arabic here
