Al-Zahar: Israel hindered Shalit deal by backing out of agreements
Hamas official and former Palestinian FM Mahmoud al-Zahar blamed Israel for hindering the Shalit prisoner swap deal by backing out in the last minute of an agreement on the number of prisoners meant to be released.
Al-Zahar said that the change in Israel's position was what prevented the deal from being finalized but confirmed that there had been disagreement within Hamas as well. He further added that in addition to Egypt, Germany and Ireland tried to bridge over the gaps between the Islamist movement and Israel, unsuccessfully. (Ali Waked)
