IIsrael may open Gaza crossings for Schalit release

This is an undated photo of Gilad Schalit, who was captured by Hamas in a cross-border operation.
Israel is reportedly willing to open Gaza crossings and free 1,000 prisoners for the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit.

Ayman Taha, a Hamas member currently holding truce talks in Cairo, said Monday that Tel Aviv is considering the opening of the Gaza crossings as well as releasing 1,000 prisoners in exchange for captured Israeli soldier Gilad Schalit, the Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram reported.

According to the report, Taha made the comments after a meeting with Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman.

A Hamas delegation is currently holding talks in Cairo with Egypt officials over an 18-months Israeli blockade of Gaza, ceasefire and exchange of prisoners with Israel.

An Israeli official was quoted by the Jerusalem Post as saying that Operation Cast Lead on Gaza had "created new understandings between us and Hamas."

Earlier Sunday, Hamas legislator Mushir al-Masri said the movement was prepared to reach a one-year truce with Israel if the border crossings into the Gaza Strip are opened. However, Masri said the truce would have nothing to do with Schalit.

"The Israeli soldier is not linked in any way to the issue of the truce or the border crossings," he said. "Rather, the case of the soldier is connected to a future prisoner exchange. No one should dream that Schalit will see his family if the border crossings aren't reopened."

Schalit was captured two years ago in a cross-border operation by Palestinian fighters. Hamas has requested the release of 1,400 Palestinians held in Israeli jails in return for his release.

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