In response to Israel’s plan to release an additional 199 terrorists and security prisoners, Hamas released a statement to the press that in order to obtain Gilad Shalit’s release, it will determine which prisoners will be set free by Israel.

Speaking to the London-based al-Quds al-Arabi, Gazan Hamas official Muhmad Zahar stated Hamas will determine who shall be released in exchange for IDF soldier Gilad Shalit.

He stressed that Israel’s release of 199 Fatah-affiliated prisoners only is evidence that Jerusalem is working to place a wedge between Fatah and Hamas.

The London-based Al-Shark al-Awsat reports that Cairo is inviting representatives of Fatah and Hamas to establishment a platform to permit entering into dialogue between the organizations. Egyptian sources report they expect the discussions to commence in the coming days.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)