Unofficial behind-the-scenes talks are taking place between Israel and Hamas, Yediot Achronot is reporting. The talks are indirect, via mediators, as Israel continues efforts to obtain the bodies of Lt. Hadar Goldin and Sgt. Shaul Oren as well as the return of Israeli citizens Avraham Mengistu and Hisham al-Sayed.
According to the report, Hamas is demanding an ‘entry fee’, the release of 50 terrorists who were taken into custody during Operation Brother’s Keeper, the IDF operation launched following the abduction of the three Gush Etzion kedoshim. The report is based on Arabic news report from months ago, in al-Shark al-Awsat, which Yediot says is being confirmed by an Israeli official today.
Israel has adopted a new position, informing Hamas Jerusalem is no longer will to pay a high price as in the past, citing the Shalit deal which led to the release of over 1,000 terrorists in return for one IDF soldier.
Yediot adds negotiators are taking place with commanders of Hamas’ military wing and not its political leadership, including Yahya Sinwar (released in the Shalit deal), Marwan Issa (Hamas military wing deputy commander) and Ruhi Mushtaha.
(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)
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One Response
Not again…the blood of many innocent yidden is on the hands of the politicans and Shalit family who pressured the government to give in last time and release hundreds of murdering terrorists so they could act again and have done so. No more prisoner exchanges for one or two live or niftar Israelis…the price in blood is too great and the outcome is predictable.