Egypt is mediating between Israel and the Islamic militant group Hamas, which captured Shalit nearly three years ago in a cross-border raid.

VOA: standard.2009.03.15

Israel launched the deadly after Hezbollah kidnapped two Israeli soldiers and killed five in a cross-border raid.

VOA: standard.2009.09.11

The incident raised fears of another war. In 2006,a deadly cross-border raid by Hezbollah guerrillas sparked a 34-day Israeli air and ground assault on Lebanon.

VOA: standard.2010.08.05

Sgt Shalit was snatched in a cross-border raid by Hamas militants who tunnelled from Gaza into Israel.

BBC: Gilad Shalit swap: Israel names Palestinian prisoners

Washington clearly blames Hezbollah for the crisis, which began when Hezbollah captured two Israeli soldiers 12 days ago in a cross-border raid.

NPR: Israel Opens Door for International Peace Force

At least 13 Pakistani security troops were killed in a similar cross-border raid by Taliban in the neighbouring Lower Dir district two months ago.

BBC: Afghan militants ambush Pakistan troops in Upper Dir