Efforts to release soldier in return for mutual restraint

Palestinians discuss proposal to release IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in return for mutual restraint; Hamas hopes proposal will strengthen group's standing in international arena
Ali Waked

Israel and the Palestinian Authority have intensified contacts to secure the release of kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.

Palestinian sources said that one of the proposals being discussed suggests the release of the soldier in return for Israel agreeing to halt military operations against Palestinian factions.

Hamas is trying to reach a similar agreement with Israel as Hizbullah did during the Grapes of Wrath operation in Lebanon in 1996.

Under the agreement, Hamas and Israel will agree to show mutual restraint and avoid harming civilians.

Hamas and its supporters hope Israel will accept the proposal and halt military operations.

Hamas also hopes the deal will bring international players into the arena. The group hopes a declaration of a halt to attacks will improve its standing with the international community, with whom the Islamic group wants to talk.

Will deal free up frozen funds?

A Palestinian source said despite the kidnappers’ claim that the operation was aimed at reaching a prisoners exchange deal, Hamas realizes that Israel would never agree to such a deal and that chances of reaching an understanding on mutual restraint are much higher.

Hamas officials also estimate that the Israeli government would be interested in such a proposal in light of the recent escalation, which is hindering the political plans of Olmert’s government.

Hamas, for its part, hopes an agreement with Israel would result in the transfer of frozen funds to the PA by Israel and the European Union, allowing it to tend to internal Palestinian affairs.

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met with Prime Minister Haniyeh in the Gaza Strip over captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, and Haniyeh’s deputy Nasr el-Din al-Shaar called on the Palestinian armed factions to release Shalit so as “not to give Israel the opportunity to invade Gaza.”