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Shalit Talks: Stalled not Stopped
November 25, 2009 - 1:20 PM | by: Michael TobinIsraeli sources are confirming Wednesday the information Fox News brought you on its Web site Tuesday -- the prisoner exchange deal which could free the kidnapped Israeli soldier is held up because Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has yet to approve some of the details of the deal.
Some of the troublesome details according to sources are as follows:
-A handful of "heavy" prisoners (meaning they have had significant roles in violent attacks) who will be difficult for Israel to release. Israel would have to guarantee the prisoners would not be harmed once they were released.
-Both sides must agree on details about whether they will be deported and the nations to which they will be deported.
When asked if these troublesome details will cause a crisis with the negotiations, the source told Fox News, "No."
Hamas had gone public with a desire to complete the prisoner exchange in time for this Friday's Muslim holiday, Eid Al Adha. Considering logistical steps which must happen before a prisoner exchange, it is now unlikely and almost impossible that the Friday deadline will be met.
Late Wednesday evening, Al Arabiya television quoted a Hamas official who said negotiations will resume on Tuesday.
Gilad Shalit has been held by Hamas ever since he was kidnapped in a deadly cross border raid June 25, 2006. Hamas is demanding a total of 1000 Palestinians be released from Israeli prison in exchange for Shalit. The organization has demanded 450 specifically named prisoners.






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