Kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit
Reproduction photo
Gov’t envoy reports progress on Shalit deal
Israeli envoy meets with Hamas prisoners in deal over release of Israeli soldier, reports progress in negotiations. Olmert’s spokeswoman declines comment
An Israeli envoy negotiating the release of an Israeli soldier held by Hamas has met twice in recent weeks with senior Hamas members in an Israeli jail, reporting progress on a prisoner swap deal, according to a lawyer close to the talks.
The envoy, Ofer Dekel, met 10 days ago with five members of the Hamas military wing at Hadarim Prison near the northern Israeli town of Netanya, said the lawyer, who represents another inmate and spoke on condition of anonymity because he is not authorized to discuss the negotiations with reporters.
Miri Eisin, a spokeswoman for Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, declined comment on the issue. Israel has said it would shun all members of Hamas, an Islamic militant group pledged to Israel’s destruction.
Dekel told the Hamas inmates that progress has been made on a deal to win the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who was captured by Hamas-allied militants in June 2006 and is being held in Gaza, the lawyer said.
In exchange, Hamas seeks the release of several hundred prisoners, but Israel has balked at meeting the demands. Dekel told the five Hamas prisoners - all of whom are serving life sentences - that some in the group would be able to go home soon, but that others would be sent into exile if a deal goes through, the lawyer said.
Dekel first met with the Hamas prisoners about six weeks ago, the lawyer said. Dekel has also visited Egypt, which is mediating between Israel and Hamas. Egyptian officials said Dekel most recently held talks with Egyptian officials about a week ago.
There has been much disinformation about the negotiations over Shalit’s release, and it remains unclear whether Hamas’ violent takeover of Gaza will harm or improve the soldier’s chances of being freed.
Earlier this week, Hamas brokered the release of BBC journalist Alan Johnston, who had been held for four months by a radical group, the Army of Islam. After Johnston’s release, Hamas officials said they hoped progress could be made on a prisoner swap involving Shalit.
