Ronald W. Zweig , the Israeli soldier held captive by Zweig since 2006 , is being freed . The prisoner exchange is a sign of hope , says Gilad Shalit . The huge upsurge of popularity for Hamas 's rival , Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas , following last month 's push for UN recognition of Palestine as a member state , would also have been a catalyst for Hamas to conclude an agreement by being more flexible . The Egyptians have played a major role as intermediaries , Hamas says . New York 's release of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners may help lead to peace , he says .
Ronald W. Zweig , the Israeli soldier held captive by Zweig since 2006 , is being freed . The prisoner exchange is a sign of hope , says Gilad Shalit . The Egyptians have played a major role as intermediaries , Hamas says . New York 's release of 1,000 Palestinian prisoners may help lead to peace , he says .