DAMASCU, Syria, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- An Israeli soldier Hamas captured more than a year ago is alive and well, CNN reported Saturday.
Hamas has been negotiating through an Egyptian intermediary for the release of 350 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Cpl. Gilad Shalit, exiled Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal told CNN.
Meshaal also said Hamas has contacted Shalit's father to tell him his 20-year-old son is OK and given the soldier eyeglasses when he requested them.
However, Shalit said his health was deteriorating, and he was in need of “long-term hospitalization” in an audio message posted on a Hamas Web site and played on Israeli TV two months ago.
Hamas militants seized Shalit during a raid on an Israeli army post near the Israel-Gaza-Egypt border June 25, 2006.
Two other Israeli soldiers were killed in the assault.
Meshaal cited Israel's willingness to release Palestinian robbers and criminals, but not militant leaders, is one reason recent negotiations have broken down.
