Arab sources Wednesday morning renewed rumors that kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit is about to be released. The Al Hurra news network claimed that Shalit will be freed before a Muslim holiday that begins next Friday, but previous rumors of the soldier’s imminent release have proven false. Hamas is demanding that Israel release hundreds of terrorists and allow them to return their homes in Judea, Samaria and Gaza.

The Israeli government has adopted a policy of keeping a low profile on any media reports concerning efforts to free the soldier, who was kidnapped by Hamas and allied terrorists more than three years ago. Two of his comrades were killed when the terrorist cell attacked a checkpoint at a Gaza crossing.