Egyptian and Palestinian Authority (PA) sources feel that Hamas will be more flexible in the nature of the prisoners it wants released in exchange for abducted Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, according to a Friday report by Ynet. The flexibility is reportedly demanded by Egypt, which has exerted heavy pressure on Hamas in recent days to renew contacts regarding Shalit. Egypt has signaled that there are indirect benefits, such an easing on Israel's blockade of Hamas-controlled Gaza, as well as regional legitimacy.

While Hamas is officially not yielding on the thousand names it presented to the administration of former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, its leaders are reportedly discussing how to get the most out of a Shalit deal. The sources say that Hamas sees the possibility for momentum in the wake of United States President Barack Obama's recent Cairo University speech and the visits to Gaza by international figures such as former US President Jimmy Carter and Quarter envoy Tony Blair. Even if fewer families receive loved ones in an exchange, a deal could help Hamas in PA elections.