The ministerial committee responsible for setting criteria for the release of security prisoners and terrorists on Sunday decided the list submitted by Hamas is too costly and Israel will not agree to the 450 names that Hamas demands in exchange for Gilad Shalit. Actually, Hamas is demanding the release of a total of 900 prisoners.

The ministers, Ramon, Dichter, Ayalon, Ezra and Friedman decided Hamas’ demands are too high since the list includes murderers who claimed the lives of dozens of Israelis.

The ministers explain while their mandate is to set parameters for the release of terrorists towards obtaining Shalit’s release, the current Hamas list cannot be accepted and Hamas will have to exhibit a modicum of flexibility.

The Shalit family and the Committee for Gilad’s Release are opposed to any additional “good-will measures” by Israel, explaining that since Gilad fell into captivity on 25 June 2006, some 1,000 terrorists and prisoners have been released and this has not advanced Gilad’s release “one millimeter”.

Noam Shalit, Gilad’s dad, accuses the prime minister and his government of not doing enough to obtain the release of his son.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)