This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/middle_east/8286206.stm

The article has changed 22 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 6 Version 7
Hamas tape shows 'healthy' Shalit Hamas tape shows 'healthy' Shalit
(about 1 hour later)
An Israeli soldier held by Hamas in Gaza for three years appears healthy in a video handed over to the Israeli authorities, officials say.An Israeli soldier held by Hamas in Gaza for three years appears healthy in a video handed over to the Israeli authorities, officials say.
Gilad Shalit appeared in the video with trimmed hair holding a paper dated 14 September, Israel's Channel 10 said. Gilad Shalit appeared in the video with trimmed hair and spoke coherently, Israel's Channel 10 said.
Israel has released 19 female Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the video.Israel has released 19 female Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the video.
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 to be freed until officials had seen the video. The prisoners were not freed until officials had seen the video, which is said to be about two minutes long and to have been recorded on 14 September.
A 20th prisoner will be released on Sunday.
Israeli radio reported that the country's chief of staff, Gabi Ashkenazi, viewed the tape before it was delivered to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.Israeli radio reported that the country's chief of staff, Gabi Ashkenazi, viewed the tape before it was delivered to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.
These would be the first images seen of the 23-year-old since he was captured by Hamas militants three years ago.These would be the first images seen of the 23-year-old since he was captured by Hamas militants three years ago.
An audiotape and three letters have been released since his capture in 2006, the most recent dated in 2008.An audiotape and three letters have been released since his capture in 2006, the most recent dated in 2008.
'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.
Banners showing Gilad Shalit have been hung near the Israel-Gaza border One woman whose son was born in jail was freed in Gaza as part of the deal
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, some with involvement in suicide bombings.Most were jailed for carrying knives or guns, some with involvement in suicide bombings.
In total, 20 are to be released under the deal, but the last prisoner is to be freed on Sunday after one of the women on the initial list was freed independently by the prison service. The 20th prisoner to be released replaces a woman who was on the original list but was freed independently by the prison service last week.
Eighteen women were freed in the West Bank, while one, a woman who was pregnant when arrested, was released in Gaza along with her two-year-old son. There were emotional scenes as those freed in the West Bank were greeted by relatives before an audience with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.
"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."
Video 'genuine'Video 'genuine'
It is thought that the tape 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.
It is unclear whether the tape will be released to the public. Israeli reports suggest the decision will not be made until Israeli leaders and the Shalit family have viewed the footage. It is unclear whether the tape will be released to the public.
Israeli reports suggested that the decision would not be made until Israeli leaders and the Shalit family had viewed the footage.
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 at least 1,000 Palestinian prisoners to ensure the soldier's safe return home.The militant group, which controls Gaza, is demanding the release at least 1,000 Palestinian prisoners to ensure 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.