Egypt demands Hamas release Israeli soldier

In 'strongly worded' letter addressed to Hamas politburo head Khaled Mashaal, Egypt's Intelligence Chief Omar Suleiman demands that Hamas Gilad Shalit at once, form unity government with President Abbas

Egypt has demanded that Hamas immediately release captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit to avoid a worsening crisis in the violence-battered Gaza Strip, Palestinian officials and Arab diplomats said Tuesday. The Egyptian demand came in a "strongly worded letter" From Egypt's powerful intelligence chief Omar Suleiman to the Syrian-based Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal, they said.

The letter also demanded Hamas cooperate fully with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in forming a national unity government, a step that has been stalled by the group's refusal to form an administration that recognizes Israel.

The message reflected increasing impatience with Hamas by Egypt, which has been mediating for months, trying to reach a deal on a prisoner swap for the release of Shalit, who is being held by Hamas-allied terrorists in Gaza.

"The leadership has received the Egyptian letter today and is studying it," said a Hamas official close to Mashaal.

"They are studying it carefully before they send back their response," he told the Associated Press from Damascus.

Israeli Channel 10 television reported earlier Tuesday that the letter carried a warning that if Shalit was not released by the end of the month Israel would launch a series of deep incursions into Gaza aimed at Hamas organizational targets and at high ranking Hamas figures. The Hamas official in Damascus said the letter contained no such warning and "no ultimatum what so ever, but its content was quite clear."

Another Palestinian official in Cairo said Suleiman's letter was "strongly worded."

"He told them enough is enough and they should release the soldier immediately," he said.

Arab diplomats said the Egyptian letter also urged Mashaal to cooperate fully with Abbas in his effort to form a new Palestinian coalition government that will replace the current Hamas-led cabinet.

"Egypt is pressing Hamas to release the soldier and remove the obstacles that hinder forming the government," Said one diplomat.

The Arab diplomats said Egypt told Abbas that it will press ahead with its effort to solve the standoff over the Israeli soldier.

http://www.israelnationalnews.com/news.php3?id=112690

Israel May Launch Offensives Against Hamas in Gaza
05:06 Sep 27, '06 / 5 Tishrei 5767
by Yechiel Spira

If IDF soldier Corporal Gilad Shalit is not released by month’s end, Israel may launch a major offensive against Hamas in Gaza.

According to a Channel 10 TV News report, a letter sent from Egyptian intelligence chief, Omar Suleiman, to Hamas politburo leader Khaled Meshal includes a warning of a major military offensive in Gaza.

Suleiman sent the letter to the Damascus-based terror leader, instructing him to order the release of Gilad Shalit, who has been held captive for three months. The letter follows ongoing Egyptian mediation efforts towards obtaining Shalit’s release.

Meshal Instructed to Move Towards Coalition Government
According to a foreign agency report, the letter also instructs Meshal to begin cooperating with ongoing efforts towards building a coalition government in the PA (Palestinian Authority) between Hamas, the ruling party, and Fatah, headed by Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen).

A coalition government now appears to be the only route available to the PA towards lifting economic sanctions imposed following the Hamas victory at the polls in January.

Hamas Refuses to Change its Position
According to reports from Gaza, Hamas’ adamant refusal to formally recognize Israel’s right to exist is the major stumbling block to the formation of the unity government. The recognition of Israel is one of the demands being imposed on the PA by the Quartet, which is made up of the United States, European Union (EU), the United Nations and Russia. The Quartet is also demanding the PA cease using terrorism as a means towards achieving its goals as well as seeking a commitment from the PA leaders that they will adhere to agreements signed by previous administrations.

According to an AP report, Hamas’ failure to release Shalit by month’s end will result in a new IDF offensive against Hamas targets in Gaza, one that will be directed at senior terrorist leaders.

Hamas Seeking a Major Prisoner Release for Shalit’s Freedom
According to reports that have appeared in the Arab media during recent days and weeks, Hamas is remaining firm in negotiations with Jerusalem regarding a prisoner exchange deal for Shalit. Most recent reports indicate Hamas has demanded the release of Fatah Tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti and PFLP leader Ahmed Sa’adat, but Israel has rejected such a possibility.

Barghouti is serving several life sentences in an Israeli prison for his part in orchestrating numerous fatal terror attacks. Sa’adat is connected to the assassination of Tourism Minister Rechavam Ze’evi in a Jerusalem hotel. Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon stated on numerous occasions that Sa’adat would never see the light of day.

Warning Comes in the Shadow of Ongoing Rocket Attacks
While Israel contemplates a renewed assault against Hamas targets in Gaza, rocket attacks against civilian population centers in the western Negev continue on a daily basis.

In one such attack on Tuesday morning, a home on Herzl Street in Sderot was hit by a rocket fired from northern Gaza. One person sustained moderate injuries and several others were injured lightly.

Despite Israel’s decision to halt its major counter-terror offensive in July, the rocket attacks have continued and of late, they have become increasingly frequent.

Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.