Gazan Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar has released a statement denying reports (http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/article.php?p=49780) that he has resigned as the head of the Hamas team negotiating a prisoner release deal with Israel towards obtaining the release of Gilad Shalit.

According to a Yisrael HaYom report, the senior Hamas official states that he has not pulled out of the talks, quoting him as stressing it is Israel alone which has torpedoed the talks resulting in the current stalemate.

The report adds that an aide to the German mediator is expected to arrive in the region in the coming days to renew efforts towards reaching an agreement.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)