Breakthrough in Shalit talks reported

JERUSALEM, June 26 (UPI) -- A breakthrough has been made in negotiations for the release of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, sources told Israeli newspapers.

Maariv reported Friday the sides appear to be discussing a package that includes a long period of calm in Gaza and appeasement between Hamas and Fatah, the reopening of Gaza border crossings and the release of Palestinian detainees held in Israel.

Significant disagreements remain between the sides, including Israel's request that Palestinian prisoners released in the deal not be allowed to return to their West Bank homes, but be sent either to Gaza or sent abroad, the paper said. Until now Hamas has refused to discuss the request, the report said.

Hagai Hadas, the recently appointed envoy charged with negotiating Shalit's release, has already met with a number of officials involved in negotiations in Israel and Egypt, the paper said.

Haaretz reported Thursday Shalit will be transferred to Egypt within days, as part of the deal. Quoting European diplomatic sources, the paper said an Egyptian brokered agreement was reached two days ago," and is part of a "new United States initiative that includes Egyptian and and Syrian pressure on Hamas, internal Palestinian reconciliation and Israel's opening of the Gaza crossings."