Egypt: Captured Israeli Soldier Is Alive (AP)

[Eugene]

Egypt: Captured Israeli Soldier Is Alive

The Associated Press
Wednesday, December 27, 2006; 8:35 AM

JERUSALEM -- The Israeli soldier captured by Palestinian militants last June is still alive,
Egypt's foreign minister said Wednesday during a visit to Jerusalem.

Ahmed Aboul Gheit said Egypt is mediating between Israel and Hamas to win the release
of Cpl. Gilad Shalit, who was captured last June by militants linked to the ruling Hamas
faction who tunneled into Israel and then fled back to Gaza. Shalit has not been seen or
heard from since then, though Israeli officials have said they believe he is alive.

"This is a very sensitive issue," Aboul Gheit told a news conference in Jerusalem. "I hope
and believe that he will be released ... but I emphasize that we are working hard for his
release and we are sure that he is still alive."

However, he said he could not guarantee Shalit's release.

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Full article: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/12/27/AR2006122700665.html