Palestinian sources say hostage talks bogged down and dangerous. DEBKAfile’s military sources: Reports that a Palestinian doctor examined Gilead Shalit are false.

July 1, 2006, 5:10 PM (GMT+02:00)

Saturday afternoon, Palestinian sources reported a complete impasse in the diplomatic bid to free the Israeli hostage and described the situation as “dangerous.”

Claims that a Palestinian doctor examined the missing soldier last Thursday, said he was in stable condition and treated him for three bullet wounds, were widely reported by Israeli and foreign media Saturday, July 1. Had they been true, they would have partly meet Israel’s prior demand for proof that the kidnapped soldier is still alive before discussing terms for his release. Such proof has still not been delivered.

Hamas minister Ziyad Abu Ain, who was quoted as hearing from sources close to the mediators about the doctor’s so-called visit to Gilead Shalit, said he was only repeating information he had heard broadcast by the media.

Israeli military circles voiced concern over potential harm to the Israeli hostage caused by elements anxious to create the illusion of momentum in the diplomatic bid for the soldier’s release, in the face of the complete lack of progress.