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."
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| 'Deal proves our strength' / Roee Nahmias |
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Lebanese organization holds up prisoner exchange deal approved by cabinet as testament of its strength. Samir Kuntar's brother says Hizbullah to marshal festivities for his return while Kuntar's attorney says after his release he may start a family |
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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
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