Israel releases 19 Palestinian women in exchange for video tape

Israel freed 19 Palestinian women prisoners after Hamas handed over a video, offering a first glimpse of an Israeli soldier they have held captive for more than three years.

Zhour Hamdan was arrested 6 years ago. She saw her first granddaughter for the first time Friday.

Zhour Hamdan said, "I can't express my feelings, thank God, thank God."

Hamdan was among the 19 released Palestinian women prisoners... in return for a recently recorded videotape.

The video footage released by Hamas gives the first glimpse of Gilad Schalit since his capture three years ago. It is expected to be a proof Shalit is still alive. Before Friday, the only signs of life had been three letters and an audio tape.

The mid-swap deal is viewed as progress for the talks between Israel and Hamas for a larger prisoner release and eventual freedom for the captive Israeli soldier.

The grab of a video released on Oct. 2, 2009 by Israeli television shows  captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit reading newspapers. In a swap of  free 19 Palestinian women prisoners, Israel received the footage on  Friday showing Shalit looking lucid and healthy after more than three  years of Gaza captivity. (Xinhua Photo)