Informed Egyptian sources on Wednesday denied reports by news agencies that Cairo received Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, captured by Hamas in 2006.
Hamas and Israel reached a deal Tuesday to swap 1072 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Shalit..
Hamas political bureau chief Khaled Meshaal will arrive in Cairo late Wednesday for talks with Egyptian officials on how to achieve and identify the names of 450 Palestinian prisoners who Israel will release in the first phase, the sources added. Another 550 prisoners are to be released later on.
Meanwhile, sources from Hamas said a delegation headed by Meshaal will finalize details of the detail within days. The delegation will also thank Egypt for mediating the deal.
Abu Obeida, spokesperson for the armed wing of Hamas, said the movement will maintain its secret security procedures concerning Shalit until the deal is carried through.
Translated from the Arabic Edition
