Israel radio reported on Sunday Israel’s readiness to release 980 Palestinian detainees in exchange for the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit captured in the Gaza strip in 2006.
The announcement came after an activist group petitioned Israel’s Supreme Court against a swap deal, according to the Hebrew-language daily newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth.
In response, the “State” Attorney’s Office disclosed, “As part of an agreement with Hamas, which would allow the return of soldier Gilad Shalit to Israel … there is a possibility for the release in principle of about 450 prisoners whose names are being delivered by Hamas.”
The office said Hamas will select 450 names and Israel will choose the rest.
Basma Qaddour
