ISRAEL TO TRADE 1000 PALI PRISONERS FOR 1 KIDNAPPED SOLDIER?

Deal would free 1,000 for Israeli soldier
CAIRO, Sept. 1 (UPI) -- Saudi newspapers say Israel has been working toward securing the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit in negotiations with Hamas in Egypt. Newspaper Okaz reported that a senior Arab source said Israel and Hamas have been working on a deal to release the soldier in exchange for the freedom of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, YNetNews.com reported Friday.

Under the deal, Israel would begin freeing the prisoners, including 500 women and juveniles, three days after Shalit is turned over to Egyptian custody. First, 350 prisoners serving short prison terms would be released, followed several days later by 350 prisoners serving medium terms and 300 prisoners serving long sentences 10 days after that.

Hamas has approved the deal, and the Jerusalem Post said the Egyptian moderators were awaiting a response from Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert.

"The Egyptians are keeping their line of communication with the kidnappers open on a low flame," one source told the Post. "The plan is in place. All Israel needs to do is answer the request."