JERUSALEM, Feb. 18 (UPI) -- The decision whether to release Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and prompt the reopening of the Gaza border crossings rests with Hamas, Israeli officials said.

JERUSALEM, July 7 (UPI) -- Israel has signed a deal with Hezbollah intended to secure the release of two captured Israeli soldiers, both presumed dead, officials said Monday.

JERUSALEM, June 16 (UPI) -- A Hezbollah-Israeli prisoner exchange is expected within a few days, an attorney involved in negotiations said Monday in Lebanon.

JERUSALEM, Oct. 25 (UPI) -- Israel and Hezbollah earlier this month came together for a prisoner exchange brokered by a German intelligence official known as "Mr. Hezbollah."

JERUSALEM, Jan. 1 (UPI) -- Israeli security officials Monday refuted Palestinian claims of progress in talks to exchange Palestinian prisoners for kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

JERUSALEM, Sept. 20 (UPI) -- Israeli officials confirmed that a letter turned over to the parents of abducted soldier Gilad Shalit was written by the 19-year-old.