Sources: Shalit transfer enhances security

JERUSALEM, Nov. 28 (UPI) -- Egyptian security sources said border security between Gaza and Egypt is intensifying ahead of the expected transfer of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

A Palestinian news service, Maan News Agency, reported Saturday German officials were trying to mediate a deal that would have Shalit transferred from the Gaza Strip to Cairo.

Once Egyptian officials confirm Shalit is safe, Israel would respond by releasing 1,000 Palestinian prisoners under the proposed agreement.

Shalit has been in the custody of Palestinian militants since being captured in June 2006.

The unidentified Egyptian sources said the enhanced security at the Gaza-Egypt border was "an unusual move indicating that the kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit will be handed over to Cairo very soon."

The Jerusalem Post said Voice of Palestine had reported a transfer of Shalit was imminent.

"Passage of Hamas officials in and out of Egypt is commonplace, but this if the first time that there is such a security presence in the area," the Post quoted unidentified Egyptian sources as telling Palestinian radio. "This indicates that something out of the ordinary is taking place."