Israel closer to freeing soldier
Israel's Security Cabinet has approved the release of 20 female Palestinian prisoners in exchange for proof that a captive Israeli soldier held in the Gaza Strip is alive.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said that it expects to receive a video showing the soldier is alive and well.
The statement says Israel accepted the Egyptian-brokered deal as a confidence-building measure.
Egypt has been trying to mediate a prisoner swap since Hamas-linked militants captured Sergeant Gilad Schalit more than three years ago. Schalit has not been seen since his capture.
Netanyahu says it's important that the world know that Schalit is alive and well, and that he holds Hamas responsible for his safety.
The deal is to be carried out on Friday.