Israel to Swap Prisoners for Proof-of-Life Tape of Gilad Shalit

(September 30, 2009)

On September 30, 2009, the Israeli Security Cabinet announced that it will release 20 Palestinian female prisoners and detainees in exchange for a proof-of-life videotape of kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. Shalit was captured on June 25, 2006, in a cross-border raid by Palestinian forces and has been held by Hamas ever since.

Hamas provided the following breakdown of female prisoners and detainees to be released: four prisoners from Hamas, five prisoners from Fatah, three prisoners from the Islamic Jihad, one prisoner or the Popular Front, and seven prisoners not affiliated with a group.