Gaza celebration: Shalit captors to take stage

Hamas to present Shalit abductors in public for first time as it welcomes freed prisoners

Roi Kais|Published: 10.17.11 , 18:31

Abductors and prisoners on one stage: As part of the "surprises" promised by Hamas to celebrate the Gilad Shalit prisoner swap, the group will present for the first time the terrorists in charge of guarding Shalit during his time in captivity.

Shalit's captors will take the stage alongside the freed prisoners during the Gaza celebrations to be held upon their return to the Strip.

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The released prisoners will be first received by Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, government ministers, Legislative Council members and other figures. Next, the detainees would meet with realtives.

One of the freed prisoners is Muhammad Zufi, who assisted Shalit's abductors in videotaping the abduction operation. He was sentenced to four life terms but is set to be released Tuesday as part of the swap.

For full coverage of the Shalit deal, click here

The Palestinian Maan news agency reported that Gaza's Rafah Crossing will be declared a restricted military zone spanning a one kilometer radius, and that no journalists would be allowed in with the exception of Hamas' al-Aqsa channel, which will air an exclusive broadcast.

The Palestine Today news agency reported that a local communication provider will provide the detainees with a cellular phone, a calling card and some cash on the occasion of their release.

Meanwhile, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas will be welcoming freed terrorists in the West Bank. The PA leader will deliver a festive speech, before the detainees proceed to lay a wreath on Yasser Arafat's grave.