Omar Suleiman, the head of Egyptian intelligence, is visiting Israel for talks on a possible prisoner exchange between Israel and the Palestinians. Suleiman held talks with senior Israeli officials Wednesday and met with Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal. Hamas is demanding that Israel free 1400 Palestinian prisoners, including 400 women and minors in exchange for kidnapped IDF Cpl. Gilad Shalit.
Earlier this week Israeli PM Ehud Olmert said he would hold direct talks with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, but only after Shalit was freed. Secretary Rice plans to meet Abbas in Jericho on Thursday where talks are expected to focus on how to extend a ceasefire agreed to by Israel and the Palestinians on Sunday - and revive the internationally-backed "road-map" peace plan which calls for an eventual Palestinian state next to Israel. Israel Radio is reporting that Secretary Rice will also meet Olmert on Thursday.
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