Al-Ayyam, published in the Palestinian Authority-controlled areas, reports today that Corp. Shalit sent a hand-written letter to Israel, showing that he is alive. He was abducted by Hamas in Gaza nearly three months ago, and if the report is accurate, this would be the first sign of life received from him since.
Another Arabic-language paper - Al-Quds Arabi, published in London - has an even more optimistic report, stating Shalit will be released by Sunday. The paper says Israel and Hamas have concluded a deal whereby Israel will free 740 terrorist prisoners, in two stages, in exchange for the 20-year-old soldier. The purported agreement also stipulates the end of terror attacks against Israel and of Israeli retaliation and targeted killings. Hamas Authority official Mahmoud Zahar denied the report.
Noam Shalit, Gilad's soft-spoken father, would not even relate to the reports. He told Army Radio this morning (Friday) that so far, "not one word the Arab press has reported on my son has turned out to be true."
Al-Ayyam's report stated that the alleged letter from the captive soldier was given to Israeli officials in Cairo on Wednesday, after Hamas terrorist representatives brought it to Egypt.
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) told reporters Thursday night that Gilad Shalit must be exchanged for Israeli-held Arab prisoners before his Fatah movement and Hamas can join together in a unity government. He also said that all violence must first stop - apparently referring to violence between Hamas and Fatah, as well as other internecine fighting, in the PA areas.
European Union Warming to Hamas?
Abbas' partner at the press conference, visiting French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy, hinted that the European Union should begin re-considering its economic boycott against the Hamas-led PA, now that Fatah is set to join the government.
Hamas statements, however, show that no change in attitude towards Israel should be expected in the new PA government. Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas, the PA's prime minister, said this week that terrorism will continue and that Hamas will not talk with Israel: "The outlines of any political agenda in the coming period will not harm the legitimacy of the resistance against the Israeli occupation."
Israel says it will continue not to recognize the PA government unless it fulfills three conditions: It must recognize Israel, ratify previous agreements made with Israel, and swear off terrorism.
Kassam Rockets
At least seven Kassam rockets have been fired from Gaza at Israel this week, including three Friday morning and another one shortly afterwards. Friday's rockets landed near Sderot, Netiv HaAsarah, and elsewhere. No one was hurt, and no damage was reported.
The Israel Air Force bombed a Hamas terrorist's house in southern Gaza, under which an arms-smuggling tunnel had been dug. Several secondary explosions were heard afterwards, a sign of the presence of explosives and ammunition. The IDF has been active in the area consistently since Shalit's abduction nearly three months ago.
Another Arabic-language paper - Al-Quds Arabi, published in London - has an even more optimistic report, stating Shalit will be released by Sunday. The paper says Israel and Hamas have concluded a deal whereby Israel will free 740 terrorist prisoners, in two stages, in exchange for the 20-year-old soldier. The purported agreement also stipulates the end of terror attacks against Israel and of Israeli retaliation and targeted killings. Hamas Authority official Mahmoud Zahar denied the report.
Noam Shalit, Gilad's soft-spoken father, would not even relate to the reports. He told Army Radio this morning (Friday) that so far, "not one word the Arab press has reported on my son has turned out to be true."
Al-Ayyam's report stated that the alleged letter from the captive soldier was given to Israeli officials in Cairo on Wednesday, after Hamas terrorist representatives brought it to Egypt.
Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) told reporters Thursday night that Gilad Shalit must be exchanged for Israeli-held Arab prisoners before his Fatah movement and Hamas can join together in a unity government. He also said that all violence must first stop - apparently referring to violence between Hamas and Fatah, as well as other internecine fighting, in the PA areas.
European Union Warming to Hamas?
Abbas' partner at the press conference, visiting French Foreign Minister Philippe Douste-Blazy, hinted that the European Union should begin re-considering its economic boycott against the Hamas-led PA, now that Fatah is set to join the government.
Hamas statements, however, show that no change in attitude towards Israel should be expected in the new PA government. Ismail Haniyeh of Hamas, the PA's prime minister, said this week that terrorism will continue and that Hamas will not talk with Israel: "The outlines of any political agenda in the coming period will not harm the legitimacy of the resistance against the Israeli occupation."
Israel says it will continue not to recognize the PA government unless it fulfills three conditions: It must recognize Israel, ratify previous agreements made with Israel, and swear off terrorism.
Kassam Rockets
At least seven Kassam rockets have been fired from Gaza at Israel this week, including three Friday morning and another one shortly afterwards. Friday's rockets landed near Sderot, Netiv HaAsarah, and elsewhere. No one was hurt, and no damage was reported.
The Israel Air Force bombed a Hamas terrorist's house in southern Gaza, under which an arms-smuggling tunnel had been dug. Several secondary explosions were heard afterwards, a sign of the presence of explosives and ammunition. The IDF has been active in the area consistently since Shalit's abduction nearly three months ago.