Gilad Shalit (archives)
Hamas on Shalit talks: Ball in Israel's court
Islamist group sources tell Ynet, It is up to Israel to decide whether its soldier celebrates New Year with family or remains in captivity.' Israeli cabinet divided on issue, minister says, 'We're talking about freeing heavy murderers'
Hamas said Wednesday night that it was eagerly awaiting Israel's response to its latest offer for a prisoner exchange agreement that would see captive soldier Gilad Shalit released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.
Rabbinical Body
Kobi Nahshoni
Rightist reestablished rabbinical body says agreement to free hundreds of terrorists for kidnapped soldier is treasonous. Their recommendation: Another war against Hamas, threat to kill prisoners if captive is not returned to Israel
"We are awaiting Israel's response. As far as we're concerned, the answer we have relayed is our traditional stance, and Israel now must decide whether its soldier will celebrate the New Year at home with his family of remain in captivity," a Hamas source told Ynet.
The Islamist group said it was prepared to go ahead with the deal if its demands are met. "We would like to see the Palestinians celebrate the Muslim new year, which will be marked next week, with their families, but Israel will decide whether or not an agreement will be reached," said the source.
On Tuesday a Palestinian source in Gaza told Ynet that the German mediator in the talks for the release of kidnapped soldier Shalit has asked Hamas to refrain from leaking details of the prisoner swap deal to the Arab press.
The source said Israel complained to the mediator, Ernst Uhrlau, that the leaks were harmful to the deal, and especially the public's opinion of it.
Meanwhile, the controversy within the cabinet among those who support a prisoner swap and those who oppose it is sharpening. Several ministers are refusing to say how they would vote in case Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu brings the issue to the cabinet or the National Security Council.
"It all depends on the (list of Palestinian prisoners slated for release) that will be presented to us before the vote," said a minister who is leaning towards opposing a deal with Hamas. "Despite the desire to bring Gilad home, we must keep in mind that we are talking about releasing 'heavy' murderers with blood on their hands.
Gilad Shalit was kidnapped into Gaza by Palestinian terrorists on June 25, 2006.
