ISRAEL is preparing to release 477 Palestinian security prisoners today in order to secure the freedom of captive soldier Gilad Shalit following a landmark deal with Hamas.

The father of an Israeli soldier snatched by Lebanese guerrillas today appealed to the captors to make their demands known so he can at least be assured his son is alive.

The father of a captured Israeli soldier today called on the government to consider releasing Palestinian prisoners in exchange for his son, despite the government’s refusal to negotiate with the captors.