Report says Shalit taken to Egypt

JERUSALEM, Dec. 3 (UPI) -- A Kuwaiti newspaper reports kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit is being held in Egypt until a deal to secure his release is finalized.

Ahmed Jabari, head of Hamas's military wing in Gaza, and Hamas official Mahmoud A-Zahar reportedly accompanied Shalit, who was transferred to Egypt several days ago, al-Jarida reported.

There was no Israeli response to the report.

Senior Egyptian officials said Shalit's transfer to Egypt, signaled the seriousness of the prisoner swap talks and will motivate Israel to move forward to secure a final deal, the International Middle East Media Center Web site said.

Hamas spokesman Osama Abu Khaled said two issues are holding up the deal, Israel Radio reported Thursday.

Khaled, currently in Damascus, said Hamas demands the release of 125 long-term prisoners incarcerated in Israel and has yet to finalize the relocation or deportation of some of them, Israel Radio said.

The main dispute is over which senior Palestinian prisoners considered symbols of the Palestinian struggle will be included in the deal, the Harretz said.

Even if Hamas responds to the latest proposal, the Israeli cabinet must approve the final list of prisoners and their names must then be published 48 hours in advance of Shalit's release to allow those who oppose the deal to petition the High Court of Justice, the paper said.

In June 2006, Shalit was on operational duty near the Gaza border when he was abducted and taken to Gaza where he has been held ever since.