Israel's Security Cabinet to Consider Prisoner Exchange with Hamas

The Israeli government is poised to take a critical step towards a possible prisoner exchange with Hamas, a move that could lead to the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. The Security Cabinet, Israel's top-level decision-making body, is expected to convene today to discuss a proposal that would free Sgt. Gilad Schalit, an Israeli soldier captured in 2007, in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, many of whom were convicted of involvement in deadly attacks on Israel.

Key Takeaways:

• The Israeli Security Cabinet will consider a possible prisoner exchange with Hamas, freeing hundreds of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Sgt. Gilad Schalit's release.
• The prisoner exchange would involve the release of hundreds of Palestinians, many of whom were convicted of involvement in deadly attacks on Israel.
• Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has stated that the release of Sgt. Schalit must come before any discussion of a long-term truce in Gaza.
• Hamas has proposed a prisoner exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, many of whom were convicted of involvement in deadly attacks on Israel.
• The Israeli military blames Hamas for the theft of five tons of unexploded Israeli bombs from a U.N. storage area in Gaza.
• Hamas officials in Gaza claim to have no knowledge of the theft.

Statistics:

• 2007: The year Sgt. Gilad Schalit was captured by Hamas.
• June 2007: The month Sgt. Schalit was captured.
• Hundreds: The estimated number of Palestinian prisoners that would be released as part of the proposed prisoner exchange.
• 5 tons: The weight of unexploded Israeli bombs stolen from a U.N. storage area in Gaza.

Sources:

• The Associated Press - Jerusalem
• Statement by Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert
• Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal
• United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
• Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs