Shalit talks deadlocked as Hamas hangs on to 'asset'

[notfullofit]

By Amos Harel and Barak Ravid, Haaretz Correspondent


Israel and Hamas have not yet agreed to renew negotiations over the release of kidnapped Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, despite the completion of the Hezbollah prisoner swap and the relative quiet on the southern front that were supposed to advance talks on a swap with Hamas.

Hamas seems now to be refusing to back down from the list of hundreds of prisoners whose release it demands. However, Israel has only approved 71 names on the list.

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The Hamas list includes dozens of murderers serving consecutive life sentences for involvement in bus bombings in the early 1990s and in major suicide bombings during the second intifada.

Government ministers have told Haaretz recently they believe there will be no deal without the release of murderers of Israelis. What Hezbollah received from Israel, they say, is pithy compared to Hamas' demands. They conceded that in light of the present political crisis, the cabinet will have difficulty approving a deal with Hamas, which includes the release of murderers.

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http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/1003177.html

[notfullofit]

1. "Shalit will remain in captivity for decades."

Hamas says learned from Hizbullah deal

Hamas source says Islamist group expects Israel to harden stance in negotiations for release of Gilad Shalit following pardon of Kuntar in swap with Hizbullah: 'The deal proves that patience and fortitude will lead to us seeing celebrations here (in Gaza) similar to those in Lebanon'

Ali Waked Published: 07.18.08, 01:40 / Israel News

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A Hamas source told Ynet that if Israel attempts to harden its positions as a direct reaction to the scathing public criticism following the release of terrorist Samir Kuntar, "Shalit will remain in captivity for decades."

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http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-3569857,00.html