Israel asks Egypt to help advance prisoner swap deal with Hamas

GAZA (Agencies): Israel has asked Egypt to assist in advancing a prisoner exchange deal with Hamas, the Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV channel reported Saturday.

According to the report, Egypt in return has asked Israel to make concessions in order for the deal to succeed since Hamas is demanding easing the restrictions on fishing, establishing a seaport in Gaza and freeing a number of Palestinian prisoners.

It was also reported that meetings between Israel and Hamas will be mediated by Egyptian officials in order to formulate the deal.