Freed female Hamas activist calls for more kidnappings

A female Hamas activist, considered one of the two most senior women to sit in an Israeli jail, was released from prison on Monday after serving a 28 month sentence. Upon reaching Beit Hanoun, she called upon Hamas not to free Gilad Shalit
Ali Waked

Hamas activist Samar Sbaih didn't even wait one day after her release from an Israeli prison before issuing a call to her fellow Hamas members to abduct more Israeli soldiers.

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Speaking at a press conference in Beit Hanoun to celebrate her release on Monday after 28 months of imprisonment, Sbaih also urged Hamas not to free kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.

Sbaih, considered one of the highest-ranking female terrorists incarcerated in Israel (the most notorious being Amneh Muna, who was convicted in the kidnapping and murder of teenager Ofir Rahum) said she dedicated her release to "all Palestinian martyrs, above all, Sheikh Ahmad Yassin."

Sbaih has been the subject of extensive press coverage after giving birth to her son while in prison.

Sbaih added that she was sorry that she did not get a chance to participate in the large Hamas demonstration that was held on Saturday to mark the organization's 20th birthday.

According to the ex-convict, many other female prisoners expressed their sorrow at not being able to take part in the Hamas celebration along with the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians that arrived to the rally.

Sbaih was arrested in September on suspicion of involvement in bomb-making for Hamas. Her husband served six months in an Israeli prison for aiding his wife in her activities.

"My happiness will not be complete until all prisoners are released. I have lived their suffering and know how they feel," Sbaih said as she held her son and Hamas songs blared through loudspeakers at her homecoming reception.

Israel has released more than 700 Palestinian prisoners in recent months in a bid to boost President Mahmoud Abbas, whose Fatah faction lost control of the Gaza Strip to Hamas Islamists in fighting last June.

At the welcoming ceremony for Sbaih, senior Hamas leader Fathi Hammad praised Palestinian women whom he said shared in the fight against Israel .

"Jihad is not limited to men ... Hamas has also recruited female would-be martyrs," Hammad said, referring to women suicide bombers.

Reuters contributed to this report