Omar Suleiman
Photo: AP
Khaled Mashaal
Photo: AFP
Report: Cairo urges Hamas to release Shalit
Kuwaiti newspaper says Egyptian intelligence chief told Mashaal his organization must realize that its only 'bargaining chip' is kidnapped soldier, releasing prisoners and opening Rafah crossing would strengthen support for Hamas
Egyptian Intelligence Minister Omar Suleiman told Hamas
politburo chief Khaled Mashaal that his movement must realize that its only "bargaining chip" is kidnapped Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit,
Kuwaiti newspaper al-Jarida reported Thursday.
The newspaper also reported that Cairo informed Hamas that Israel was willing to resume negotiations for a prisoner exchange in a bid to reach an agreement which would end the abduction affair.
According to the report, the Egyptian minister told the Hamas leader that releasing prisoners and opening the Rafah crossing would strengthen the support for Hamas, which has suffered a sharp drop since Operation Cast Lead.
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According to the report, based on Palestinian sources, Suleiman informed Mashaal during their meeting in Cairo on Tuesday that Egypt had received Israeli signals asking to resume the negotiations in order to complete them. The same sources added that Hamas welcomed the offer and agreed to resume the talks.
The newspaper also said that Suleiman told Mashaal his country was determined to have the Palestinian factions sign a reconciliation agreement by the end of the month, and that Egypt would not accept an ongoing "endless chain of negotiations", particularly when the regional and international developments dictate a swift move by all elements.
Gilad Shalit was kidnapped into the Gaza Strip 1,082 days ago.
