Hamas asserted that any deal with Israel, whether on the exchange of prisoners or the lifting of the siege of Gaza Strip, including a short-term or long-term truce, would be sponsored by the Egyptian side, according to close sources. The sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that there are permanent correspondence between Hamas political bureau and those responsible for the Palestinian file in the Egyptian intelligence service on various issues. They noted that Egyptian officials understand the demands of Hamas as a condition for any agreement with Israel. According to the sources, the movement confirmed to the Egyptian side its conditions on any prisoner exchange deal, and that the issue of detained Israeli soldiers can not be linked to any solutions that do not include the release of Palestinian prisoners. No deal can be concluded without the release of all the prisoners who were re-arrested by Israel, after their release as part of the Shalit prisoner exchange. Israel re-arrested more than 86 Palestinians, who have been accused by the Israeli security forces, of setting up cells to carry out armed attacks against Israeli targets in the West Bank, Jerusalem and cities inside the Green Line. According to the sources, Hamas shut the door in the face of any other attempts, but believes Cairo is the only one that is able to reach solutions with Israel, and pressure it on this matter. Hamas delegation might head to Egypt this week and will inform Egyptian officials that it welcomes any Egyptian effort in this context, indicated the sources. They asserted that Hamas is interested in an Egyptian intervention more than any other party. The sources pointed out that Egypt had previously tried to mediate more than once to complete an exchange deal, as well as a truce in the Gaza Strip, which included the lifting of the Israeli blockade. However, Israel was evasive at each time, especially when indirect talks reached a very important point relating to exchange deal. Sources stressed that any contacts or meetings will be indirect and will be conducted on conditions determined by the leadership of Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas. They pointed out that the movement wants to put any issue related to the truce in Gaza and lift the siege of the Strip for discussion among factions, before agreeing with Israel through the Egyptian mediator. Hamas expects the mediator to play an important role during the coming period, noting that the exchange deal will be Hamas’ main concern, but will cooperate with the factions to include the names of prisoners who will be released, in the event of a deal was reached.