Israel News is reporting from Egyptian sources that there is a deal in the works for the release of Gilad Shalit. It is possible, the Egyptian sources say, that the agreement might even be signed within the next few hours.

Mohammed Bassouny, former Egyptian Ambassador to Israel, is the source for these new reports, and they are also being reported on Hamas websites, according to Israeli news Channel 2.

According to JPost, the Prime Minister's Office is denying the rumors of any breakthrough in negotiations.

I normally do not report rumors, and this has happened many times before that we were told rumors that a deal is imminent, but it has been a long time since we have seemed, based on the rumors, to be so close to a deal that I thought it is worth reporting.

If we are that close, the only thing we can do is pray that it work out, and that Israel remains safe after w give whatever we give in exchange for Shalit's release.