Israel and the Palestinian struggle in the Gaza Strip, Hamas, agreed to mutually release prisoners. In an Egyptian-brokered deal, Hamas is willing to release an Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit. Conversely, a thousand prisoners Israel will release Palestinian origin.
According to the news station Voice of America, the deal came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, held a special meeting with his cabinet. At the same time, Hamas leader Khalid Mashal, declared a prisoner swap deal with Israel.
According to Mashal, after years of negotiations, both sides agreed that a thousand Palestinian prisoners will be exchanged by an Israeli soldier who became hostages of Hamas. For Netanyahu, it is the best deal that could reach Israel with the Hamas government.
Shalit Hamas detained for more than five years. He was arrested in June 2006 while on duty near the border of Israel and the Gaza Strip, controlled by Hamas. At that time, Shalit is 19 years old and undergo compulsory military service.
Shalit's family and supporters rejoiced at the news. Similarly, Palestinians in Gaza, a cheering welcome the release of their relatives. Release of Shalit and Palestinian thousand likely take several days.
According to Reuters, there are about six thousand Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. For the Palestinians, they are the heroes of the independence struggle of colonial Zionism.
quoted from :VIVAnews