Israeli Prisoner Swap Hits Snag

By: George Baghdadi
Topics: World Watch

(AP)

On Monday, Damascus-based Hamas poured cold water on any imminent deal for the release of an Israeli soldier captured more than three years ago, saying it was still premature to trumpet a happy ending.

Talk of a possible deal has moved to center stage with Israeli media saying that a Hamas delegation was heading to Cairo to discuss the latest list of prisoners Israel is prepared to release in a swap for Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit. Israeli President Shimon Peres heightened speculation after his talks with his Egyptian counterpart Hosni Mubarak in Cairo on Sunday, when he spoke of "real progress" in the negotiations.

"The brouhaha in the media talking about being close to reach an agreement on prisoner exchange deal is purely Israeli leaks designed to influence the feelings of our children, prisoners and their families and to try to pressure and influence on the process of indirect negotiations carried out through the German intermediary," a Hamas statement said. "Hamas will continue its efforts through the competent authority to overcome the obstacles set by the Israeli enemy in the way of completion of exchange … Although we hope to reach an honorable deal for our people as soon as possible, would like to emphasize that it is premature to talk about specific results … or close a deal."

Israeli newspapers said Hamas representatives had already crossed into Egypt from Gaza to meet the German mediator to debate a possible deal for the release of Shalit, captured by Hamas in a 2006 raid near the Israel-Gaza border. The militants tunneled into Israel and attacked an Israeli army outpost, killing two other soldiers.

A few times this year, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas seemed to be coming closer. So far, Israel's refusal to accede to Hamas' demand to release some prisoners, along with Hamas' tactical considerations with the Palestinian Authority, have blocked an agreement.

The German intermediary managed in early October to arrange the release of 20 Palestinian female prisoners in exchange for a minute-long "proof of life" tape video of Shalit.

Shalit's freedom has become a condition for the Israelis to consider ending a blockade of Gaza, which has economically wounded the Palestinian territory.

The United Nations recently issued a scathing report accusing Israel of war crimes during its military offensive in Gaza last winter. But it also called on the Palestinians to release Shalit on humanitarian grounds.

There has been speculation that a deal could be finalized to coincide with the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Adha, which falls on Friday.

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by Sloughfoot November 24, 2009 10:37 AM EST: Learn from this folks, now you can see why Israel keeps these people at arms lenght and puts little faith in the muslim's off promoted peace initiatives. Look also at the article about that goof-ball from Iran. What makes these sound like reliable efforts toward world peace? Throw in that Chavez kook and Kim too and our Nation, the State Dept, and DOD have their hands full irregardless of who might be in power in this country.; Reply to this comment


by eiddam November 24, 2009 8:36 AM EST: First if the Jews had not deliberately forced the Palestians off their own land for over 60 years, Hamas would not be in the picture. If Israel had not threatened to nuke Iran and, along with Bush try everything to create a war, Isreal would not have to worry about Iran. The Jews created the problem with the Arabs because of their dominate nature, the same as the Bush Regime did in Iraq and Pakistan, and they both consider themselves the holy ones.; Reply to this comment


by djconklin November 24, 2009 3:48 AM EST: >To kill him wouldnt do any good.Hamas wants their men back and he is the best bargining chip that they have.

Yeah, but he is probably already dead. If not, then why not bargain, why the last minute snag?; Reply to this comment


by wdh3007 November 23, 2009 9:08 PM EST: Forget Hamas Israel should focus on Iran that's the key to this whole middle east conflict. If infact the prisoner is dead then Israel should sentence to death every prisoner it has left but then again it would have nothing to bargin with except dead corpses.; Reply to this comment