President at Shalit protest tent
Photo: Gil Yohanan
Israel: No new mediator in Shalit talks
PM's Office rejects Hamas reports that 'honest, creative' European replacing German mediator
The Prime Minister's Office said Wednesday it would continue to hold talks for the release of kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit under the guidance of German mediator Gerhard Konrad and "according to the proposal he has constructed".
Egypt's al-Ahram reported Tuesday that a new European official has stepped in to replace Konrad in an attempt to restart talks on Shalit. The paper was quoting a source in Hamas's leadership.
Original Report
Roee Nahmias
Senior Hamas element tells Egyptian paper new mediator has already exhibited creativity. Terror group claims previous mediator Gerhard Konrad backed Netanyahu
The source refused to state the mediator's nationality but noted he has already exhibited "honesty and creativity."
But the London-based al-Sharq al-Awsat reported Wednesday morning that the Hamas source had spoken to al-Ahram out of discontent with the German mediator.
The claim is in keeping with reports that Konrad had been backing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had withdrawn understandings endorsed by his predecessor Ehud Olmert.
Noam and Aviva Shalit spent Passover eve – the fifth without their son – outside of Netanyahu's residence Monday night. On Wednesday morning they were joined at their protest tent by many civilians who support their battle.
- Follow Ynetnews on Facebook
