Damascus-based Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal is heading for Cairo Sunday to discuss a possible prisoner swap deal with Israel to return IDF Cpl. Gilad Shalit, who was kidnapped by Hamas terrorists in June 2006. Mashaal often calls the shots in Hamas decisions.

According to a report by the Al-Quds Jerusalem newspaper, Mashaal's trip is connected with a sudden leap forward in continuing secret talks between Israel and Hamas that came after a visit by Israeli envoy Ofer Dekel three days ago.

There is also a chance that talks with Mashaal will include discussions of a possible ceasefire with Gaza-based Hamas and other terrorist groups after IDF forces intensified operations in response to escalated Kassam rocket attacks on Israeli communities in the western Negev.