Amos Gilad head of the security-political bureau of the Defense Ministry is scheduled to fly again to Cairo on Thursday to resume discussions on how to prevent smuggling into Gaza. Egypt is mediating between Hamas and Israel on the issues of opening Gaza crossings and the return of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.

Egypt claimed on Wednesday that it does not know anything about the fate of the soldier, who has been presumed to be alive and well. Since the Cast Lead counterterrorist operation, Hamas has tried to create the impression that it no longer is concerned about Shalit.