Report: Shalit negotiator arrives in Gaza

GAZA, Dec. 7 (UPI) -- A German negotiator working on a deal to free kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit has arrived in Gaza, al-Jazeera reported Monday.

The broadcaster, quoting unnamed "reliable" sources, said the negotiator was carrying Israel's "final" response to Hamas' recent offer of swapping Shalit for hundreds of Israeli-held Palestinian prisoners, Ynetnews.com reported.

Al-Jazeera quoted sources as saying if the Israeli response is deemed unconvincing, the entire effort to free Shalit would have to be reexamined while a positive response would serve to advance the deal.

The Arab broadcaster reported the mediator was in Tel Aviv Sunday to convey Hamas' latest offer, the Israeli Web site said.

Shalit has been held in Gaza since his June 25, 2006, capture by the Palestinian militants.