Israel, Hamas near swap of prisoners for soldier

Israel and Hamas are close to a deal to swap 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for an Israeli soldier held for more than three years by the Islamic militant group, a Palestinian familiar with the talks said Monday.

Israeli President Shimon Peres, who met with Egypt’s president in Cairo Sunday, confirmed progress in the negotiations to free captured soldier Sgt. Gilad Schalit, but Israeli officials refused to comment further. Hamas’ deputy political leader, Moussa Abu Marzouk, also said “there is progress” in the talks.