Hamas Politburo Chief Khaled Mashaal
Photo: AP
Hamas: Israel's response unacceptable
Top sources within Islamist group say Jerusalem's position on prisoner exchange outline unsatisfactory. Final answer to be given after Hamas heads in Damascus, Gaza, West Bank confer
Senior Hamas sources told Ynet Wednesday that Israel's response to the proposed prisoner exchange deal meant to retrieve kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit, as delivered by the German mediator, was "unacceptable."
Nevertheless, the Islamist group said it would continue with the negotiation, and the efforts to sway Israel's stand.
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Ynet learned of Hamas' opinion mere hours after group officials met with the German mediator and his team. Hamas said the group will now embark on a series of debates involving leaderships in Damascus, Gaza Strip and the West Bank.
Hamas' final answer is expected only after the extensive deliberations will be concluded.
A source closed to Hamas' negotiation team stressed the group will consider "all political and humane" aspects of the talks prior to making its decision.
Noam Shalit, Gilad's father told Ynet that he did not wish to respond to reports at this time: "We will not respond to initial reports of this sort. We will wait to hear what the official stance is and the official response to the proposal," he said.
Ahiya Raved contributed to this report
