In a deal that may signal future co-operation between enemies, Israel and the militant Palestinian movement Hamas have agreed to an exchange of prisoners in which a young soldier, Gilad Shalit, virtually adopted by his entire nation, will be coming home after more than five years captivity as a hostage in Gaza.

“Gilad will return to Israel in the coming days,” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu proudly declared in a nationally televised address before entering a meeting of his cabinet Tuesday evening to ratify the deal.

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