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Tape shows Shalit 'safe and well' Tape shows Shalit 'safe and well'
(19 minutes later)
Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says soldier Gilad Shalit is "safe and well" after seeing the first footage of him since he was captured three years ago.Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu says soldier Gilad Shalit is "safe and well" after seeing the first footage of him since he was captured three years ago.
In the film, sent by Hamas in exchange for the release of 20 Palestinian women prisoners, Sgt Shalit appeared "healthy and coherent," Israeli media said.In the film, sent by Hamas in exchange for the release of 20 Palestinian women prisoners, Sgt Shalit appeared "healthy and coherent," Israeli media said.
The video will be released to the media, although timings are not clear.The video will be released to the media, although timings are not clear.
Nineteen of the Palestinian prisoners were freed earlier, amid emotional scenes in the West Bank and Gaza.Nineteen of the Palestinian prisoners were freed earlier, amid emotional scenes in the West Bank and Gaza.
Sgt Shalit appeared clean-shaven, with trimmed hair and spoke coherently in the video, which is more than two minutes long, the Israeli media reported.Sgt Shalit appeared clean-shaven, with trimmed hair and spoke coherently in the video, which is more than two minutes long, the Israeli media reported.
He was holding a newspaper dated 14 September, the reports said.He was holding a newspaper dated 14 September, the reports said.
Eighteen of the prisoners were handed over in the West Bank on Friday and another was released in Gaza.Eighteen of the prisoners were handed over in the West Bank on Friday and another was released in Gaza.
The prisoners were not freed until officials had seen the video.The prisoners were not freed until officials had seen the video.
A 20th prisoner will be released on Sunday.A 20th prisoner will be released on Sunday.
In a statement issued after both the prime minister and the Shalit family had viewed the footage, Mr Netanyahu said: "Even though the road to his release is long and difficult, the knowledge that he is safe and well should encourage us all."In a statement issued after both the prime minister and the Shalit family had viewed the footage, Mr Netanyahu said: "Even though the road to his release is long and difficult, the knowledge that he is safe and well should encourage us all."
'Low-profile' prisoners'Low-profile' prisoners
Nearly three years of Egyptian-brokered talks have failed to produce a deal for his release.Nearly three years of Egyptian-brokered talks have failed to produce a deal for his release.
German mediators joined the talks, between Hamas and Israel, in July.German mediators joined the talks, between Hamas and Israel, in July.
Israel releases Palestinian prisoners Some of the Palestinian prisoners being greeted by relatives
An audiotape and three letters have been released since his capture in 2006, the most recent dated in 2008, but no images of Sgt Shalit have been seen until now.An audiotape and three letters have been released since his capture in 2006, the most recent dated in 2008, but no images of Sgt Shalit have been seen until now.
The female Palestinian prisoners are described as low-profile detainees, most of whom were coming to the end of their sentences.The female Palestinian prisoners are described as low-profile detainees, most of whom were coming to the end of their sentences.
Most were jailed for carrying knives or guns and for attempted murder.Most were jailed for carrying knives or guns and for attempted murder.
The further prisoner is to be released, replacing a woman who was on the original list for the prisoner exchange but was freed independently by the prison service this week.The further prisoner is to be released, replacing a woman who was on the original list for the prisoner exchange but was freed independently by the prison service this week.
'Incomplete joy'
There were emotional scenes as those freed in the West Bank were greeted by relatives before an audience with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.There were emotional scenes as those freed in the West Bank were greeted by relatives before an audience with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
One woman whose son was born in jail was freed in Gaza as part of the deal
"My feeling right now is one of enormous joy," said Jihad Abu Turki, as she arrived in the city of Ramallah."My feeling right now is one of enormous joy," said Jihad Abu Turki, as she arrived in the city of Ramallah.
"But the joy remains incomplete without my sisters who are still in prison.""But the joy remains incomplete without my sisters who are still in prison."
Video 'genuine'
It is thought that the videotape handed over on Friday was sent to Egypt with a Hamas delegation.It is thought that the videotape handed over on Friday was sent to Egypt with a Hamas delegation.
Hamas has never allowed the International Committee of the Red Cross access to verify Mr Shalit's wellbeing.Hamas has never allowed the International Committee of the Red Cross access to verify Mr Shalit's wellbeing.
The militant group, which controls Gaza, is demanding the release of at least 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the soldier's safe return home.The militant group, which controls Gaza, is demanding the release of at least 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the soldier's safe return home.
Israeli President Shimon Peres has warned that securing his freedom will be a long and difficult task.Israeli President Shimon Peres has warned that securing his freedom will be a long and difficult task.