Egypt, Israel Make Prisoner Swap

After releasing hundreds of Palestinians for the release of one of its soldiers, Israel will free 25 Egyptians for an Israeli-American.

Israel today transferred 25 prisoners to Egypt under the terms of an exchange that saw Cairo free a U.S.-Israeli citizen accused of espionage.

Egypt released Israeli-American Ilan Grapel in exchange for the 25 Egyptian prisoners, three of whom are under the age of 18.

Egypt arrested Grapel in June on suspicion that he was out to recruit agents and monitor events in the revolt that toppled Hosni Mubarak, an ally of Israel and the United States.

Israeli media reports say Grapel arrived in Tel Aviv today.

The swap comes a week after an Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, was freed in exchange for more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners.

The deal between Hamas and Israel was brokered by Egypt.

compiled from agency reports