<br/>Israel released nineteen Palestinian women prisoners today in return for proof that its captured soldier Gilad Shalit is still alive. The soldier has been held by Palestinian insurgents in Gaza since 2006.<br/><br/>The deal was mediated by Egyptian and German mediators as a confidence-building measure. Israel currently holds about 10,000 Palestinian prisoners and Palestinian Hamas group is demanding the release of hundreds of prisoners in exchange for the soldier. It was the first time Israel has released prisoners as part of the talks, and the first video footage of Shalit since his capture. Previously his family had received an audio recording and several letters.<br/><br/>Israeli officials have said that another woman is set to be released in the coming days as part of the swap.