Zahhar: Shalit would not be released until Hamas ’conditions are met

Source: PIC, 22-06-2008

GAZA- MP Dr. Mahmoud Al-Zahhar, a Hamas prominent political leader, has underlined that his Movement would not sanction the release of captured 'Israeli' soldier Gilad Shalit until its demands were met.

He told a group of intellectuals and notables in the Rafah district during a meeting Saturday night that Hamas demands an end to the 'Israeli' ban on the release of Palestinian prisoners who had "'Israeli' blood on their hands".

The MP charged that 'Israeli' leaders, soldiers and settlers all had Palestinian blood on their hands. He also called for a halt to the theatrical plays in 'Israeli' courts against release of those prisoners.
A second demand is the release of prisoners who serve multiple life sentences and who spent tens of years behind bars, he elaborated.

Zahhar said that the 'Israeli' premier should endorse the prisoners' swap deal or else he would be held responsible for its failure and has to face that with the parents of the captured soldier.