Gilad Shalit in the video filmed by Hamas
Photo: Reuters
Hamas officials: A few names holding up Shalit deal
Securing release of Gilad Shalit closer than ever, but deportation of prisoners also holding up interim deal
Following Gilad Shalit's first sign of life received from Hamas over the weekend, is the captive soldier's release around the corner? According to Hamas sources, negotiations between Israel and Hamas to secure a deal whereby Shalit will be released in exchange for the release of prisoners from Israeli jails continue. Though there are still disagreements, a deal is closer than ever, according to the sources.
Analysis
Ron Ben-Yishai
Videotape’s release reflects Hamas’ desire for deal, but swap isn’t imminent
London-based Arabic newspaper al-Sharq al-Awsat reported Sunday that a dispute over the release of 48 Arab-Israeli and east Jerusalem residents is holding up the deal. According to the report, Israel has agreed to release all the West Bank and Gaza residents demanded by Hamas.
An Israeli source reported to the paper that Israel knows where Gilad Shalit is being held by Hamas, but has decided against military action to rescue him by force out of fear that he would be hurt as a result.
A day after a videotape of Shalit from captivity was handed over to Israel in exchange for the release of 20 female Palestinian prisoners, Hamas and the organizations responsible for his capture emphasized that they will not compromise on the broader deal to release Shalit in which they are demanding that 450 "heavy" prisoners, including many murderers responsible for large-scale terrorist attacks in Israel, be released.
Hamas' militant line continued in its leaders' speeches. Hamas politburo chief Khaled Mashaal said on Friday, the Palestinian organizations "are capable of capturing Shalit, and another Shalit, and another Shalit, until not even one prisoner will remain in the enemy's jails."
The last female prisoner in the videotape deal, Roda Habib, was released on Sunday and was received by Haniyeh, who called for additional Israeli soldiers be captured in order to expedite the release of Palestinian prisoners.
