To win their trust, he attended weddings, mediated family disputes, helped out during illnesses.

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She also appeared to seek credit for Egypt, stating that Egyptian authorities had mediated the release and asking Sgt Shalit why he thought the mediation had worked.

BBC: Gilad Shalit release: Shahira Amin defends interview

Correspondents say US President Bill Clinton, who mediated at Camp David, was hoping Mr Mubarak would influence Mr Arafat as he did previously.

BBC: Egypt refuses to pressure Arafat