Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Egypt prisoner swap to free Israeli

Ap
Sunday 30 October 2011 23:49 GMT
Comments

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Twenty-five Egyptians were freed from a jail in southern Israel and taken to their country's border yesterday ahead of a swap for a US-Israeli citizen jailed in Cairo on suspicion of espionage.

The arrest of Ilan Grapel, 27, in Egypt in June set off new concerns in Israel that relations with the Egyptians would sour after President Hosni Mubarak was forced from office in February.

Mr Grapel's father said his son had been held in isolation in an unknown location. When they last spoke two weeks ago, he seemed to be "okay" and "getting fed", said Daniel Grapel.

Under a swap deal reached earlier this week, his US-born son was due to board a plane in Cairo yesterday and fly to Israel, where he will remain for at least two days before returning to the US.

Mr Grapel was volunteering at a legal aid group in Cairo when he was arrested on 12 June and accused of spying for Israel during the revolt that overthrew Mr Mubarak. Israel denied the espionage allegations, as did Mr Grapel's family and friends.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in