IDF receives confirmation: Schalit in Egyptian control

Hamas passes soldier to Egyptians on Gaza side of Rafah crossing; Israel transfers Palestinian prisoners to Red Cross buses, awaiting word that Schalit in Israel before allowing them to pass into Gaza, W.Bank.

By YAAKOV KATZ, HERB KEINON
Published: OCTOBER 18, 2011 08:09
rafah border crossing_311 reuters (photo credit: Ismail Zaydah / Reuters)
rafah border crossing_311 reuters
(photo credit: Ismail Zaydah / Reuters)
Egyptian military officials received Gilad Schalit from Hamas control on the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing  and updated the IDF command post at the Kerem Shalom crossing of the transaction on Tuesday morning.
As a result, Israel transferred all the Palestinian prisoners to be released to Gaza and the West Bank to Red Cross buses. Israeli officials are awaiting word that Schalit has entered Israel, after which the prisoners will be transferred to the West Bank and Gaza via Egypt.
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Upon passing into Israel, Schalit will be guarded by soldiers of the Israel Air Force's 669 unit, who will accompany him until he is home safe in Mitzpe Hila.
As part of a carefully orchestrated prisoner swap, Israel was due to free 477 Palestinian prisoners during the day, with a further 550 set for release at a later date.
Overnight Monday, the IDF finalized preparations for the swap and moved all of the Palestinian prisoners slated for release to various points throughout the country from where they will be transferred to Egypt, the Gaza Strip, the West Bank and inside the country.
From Rafah, Schalit will cross into Israel and will be taken to a nearby base for a preliminary medical exam.
On Monday, OC Southern Command Maj.-Gen. Tal Russo declared Israel’s border crossings with Egypt and Gaza closed military zones ahead of the swap.
After the medical exams, Schalit will be flown to the Tel Nof Air Force Base where he will be reunited with his family after more than five years in Hamas captivity.
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is expected to arrive at Tel Nof early Tuesday morning and supervise the carefully-choreographed swap.
Schalit will be greeted as he gets off the helicopter at Tel Nof, by Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and Chief of General Staff Lt.-Gen. Benny Gantz, who are to usher him a short distance into a private meeting with his parents.
Netanyahu gave directions to the security establishment to do everything possible to move the process ahead quickly so that Schalit can be swiftly reunited with his parents.
Once the family reunification begins in Tel Nof, Netanyahu is expected to leave the base and issue a brief statement to the press stationed outside.
He is expected to say that this is both an emotional and difficult day, and that Israel is blessed to have Schalit return. Our nation is different in that we do not celebrate the release of murderers, and do not carry on our shoulders those who destroyed lives, he will say.
According to officials in his office, Netanyahu decided on a low-key ceremony out of consideration for the families of the terrorist victims, for whom the release date of those who murdered their loved ones is not a day of celebration.
Schalit will then board the helicopter with his parents and, after nearly five and a half years, return to his home in Mitzpe Hila.
Click for full JPost coverage of Gilad Schalit
Click for full JPost coverage of Gilad Schalit