Israel and Hamas prepare for prisoner swap

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 agreement will see Israel free 1,027 Palestinians in return for Shalit’s freedom in what will be the highest price ever paid by the Jewish state for one person.

If all goes to plan, it will be the first time in 26 years that a captured soldier has been returned to the Jewish state alive.