RAMALLAH, October 17, 2011 (WAFA) – The prisoners’ swap deal between Israel and Hamas that will release imprisoned Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in exchange for releasing 1027 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons, will begin Tuesday morning at 6 AM, Jerusalem time, reported Israeli media on Monday.

Palestinian prisoners who will be released to the Gaza Strip will be freed at Karem Abu Salem crossing south of the Strip, whilst prisoners released to the West Bank will be freed at Beitunia crossing near the city of Ramallah.

Shalit will be transported from his whereabouts in Gaza to Egypt through Rafah border crossing, said the media, adding that Israel will immediately release 27 female Palestinian prisoners as soon as it is informed of the welfare of Shalit, and will release the remaining prisoners after Egypt confirms it has received him.

R.Q./F.J.