Israel and Hamas have agreed a landmark deal to secure the release of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees, officials on both sides said yesterday.

If the deal is implemented, it will end an ordeal that has lasted more than five years for the young soldier, who has become a national icon in Israel since his capture by Gaza-based militants in June 2006.

It will also be a major political coup for Gaza’s Hamas rulers.

The deal came out of the blue, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announcing the details in a live address shortly after presenting it to his government during an emergency session yesterday night.“We have concluded arduous negotiations with Hamas to release Gilad Shalit. He will be coming home in the next few days.”

“I believe we reached the best possible agreement at this time,” Netanyahu added.

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