The Military Court at Ofer Base sentenced Dr. Aziz Dwaik, head of the Hamas parliament, to three years in prison, two years probation and a NIS 6,000 fine, after convicting him of membership in Hamas.
Dwaik was arrested by Israel shortly after Gilad Shalit was kidnapped to Gaza. Dwaik will be credited 28 months for time served. The court noted that his health played a part in the verdict.
If Dwaik is not released, Hamas plans to name his deputy, Dr Ahmed Bahar, acting president. The movement considers Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas nothing more than head of the Fatah organization.
Dwaik has been in held by Israel June 2006, along with 40 other Hamas lawmakers. Seven of the MPs have already been released after serving their sentences.