An Egyptian official told London-based newspaper al-Hayat that Israel could have made a deal for the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit long ago had it been willing to compromise. According to the official, Hamas lowered the number of terrorists whose release they demand from 1,000 to 400, and is only demanding the release of those who are serving life sentences.

Shalit was abducted nearly a year ago and is thought to be held in Gaza.