Shalit. More than two years in captivity
Reproduction photo
Hamas says pressure will only complicate things
Addressing rally for kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit at Kerem Shalom crossing, Palestinian organization's spokesman says, 'If the enemy fails to meet the price we are demanding, Shalit will not be freed.' Senior member says group still demanding release of more than 1,000 prisoners
Hamas
members were not moved by the rally
for Gilad Shalit held at the Kerem Shalom crossing Sunday, saying that the Palestinian organization is still demanding the release of more than 1,000 prisoners in exchange for the kidnapped Israeli soldier.
"Shalit will only be released when the occupation frees the prisoners demanded by Hamas. His family knows very well that the enemy's government is responsible for the delay in the deal.
Sami Abu Zuhri, a spokesman for Hamas, said that closing the Gaza crossings would not lead to Shalit's release.
Ahead of Rally
Kidnapped soldier's father responds to defense minister's warning that rallies calling for Gilad Shalit's release may raise price demanded by terror groups. 'The government had almost two and a half years to bring Gilad back without protests, but they failed to do it,' he says
"We are interested in striking a deal, but not at any cost. If the enemy fails to meet the price we demand, Shalit will not be released and all the pressure will be unhelpful and only complicate things."
Osama Al-Muzaini, who is in charge of the Shalit case on behalf of Hamas, told reporters in Gaza that "Egypt has already informed us in the past that the occupation had already agreed to the implementation of the first stage of the Shalit deal, which includes the release of 450 prisoners sentenced to long prison terms."
He added, however, that Israel backed out and thus no progress has been made.
Demonstrating for Gilad Shalit (Photo: Amir Cohen)
Al-Muzaini said that his movement could reach a swift agreement. "If we wanted to strike a quick deal, this could be done through the release of 10 or 20 prisoners, but we demand an honorable deal.
"We demand more than 1,000 prisoners sentenced to long prison terms, including leaders of the Palestinian people," he said.
He added tat the list of 450 prisoners will be determined exclusively by his movement.
A second Ron Arad?
Addressing the fact that Israel objects to the return of some of the freed prisoners to the West Bank, he said that Hamas would be willing to compromise.
"The enemy will have no right to object to the names. If it insists on a number of names, it won't be more than 10. As for those who will not leave to a different territory of the homeland, we will be able to reach an understanding on a different territory."
Al-Muzaini added that Shalit could turn into a second Ron Arad. "He will remain in captivity for many years if Israel fails to meet our demands," he warned.
He repeated the conditions voiced recently by other senior Hamas members in regards to extending the ceasefire and opening all the crossings to the Gaza Strip.
"The truce will not be extended automatically endlessly. It will be implemented for three more months at the most," he noted.
Gilad Shalit was kidnapped into the Gaza Strip 847 days ago.
