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Photo: Reuters
Al-Zahar. Taking advantage of decision
Photo: Reuters

Hamas sees opportunity in Israel-Hizbullah deal

Al-Zahar says Jewish state's agreement to release Kuntar may provide opening to free its members convicted of killing Israelis

A Hamas leader said Monday that Israel's agreement to release a notorious Lebanese terrorist may provide an opening to free its members convicted of killing Israelis.

 

Former Palestinian Foreign Minister Mahmoud al-Zahar said Hamas should take advantage of Israel's decision "to release people whom Israel accused of having blood on their hands, like Samir Kuntar."

 

The Lebanese Kuntar is serving multiple life sentences for his part in a 1979 attack that killed an Israeli man, his two daughters and two policemen.

 

The Israeli government approved his release Sunday in a swap deal with Hizbullah, in return for two Israeli soldiers who are believed to be dead.

 

Hamas is negotiating with Israel over Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit held since 2006. Israel has refused to release many of the prisoners Hamas wants in return, saying they were involved in killing Israelis.

 

The Palestinian Authority also voiced its satisfaction of the deal. A Palestinian official told Ynet, "Everyone today knows that Israel only understands force. Prisoners, we see again, can only be freed by pressuring Israel and not through negotiations."

 

Roee Nahmias contributed to this report

 


פרסום ראשון: 06.30.08, 12:09
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