Once again, the rumors of the imminent release of convicted Fatah Tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti occupy the major news headlines, with Turkey releasing information that Shalit will home by Election Day. Hamas has announced the report is not accurate.
According to the Sunday morning Arabic al-Hayat newspaper, Israel has agreed to release 1,000 soldiers for Shalit’s return, including Barghouti, who is serving 5 life sentences for his terrorist activities. Israel however is refusing to release Ahmed Sa’adat, who planned the assassination of Tourism Minister Rechavam Ze’evi.
PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen) has requested the release of the two in the past, explaining to Prime Minister Ehud Olmert that such a move would strengthen his position in the PA, a move that falls in line with Israel’s policies. Olmert indicated he objected to such a move but he did signal a willingness to release terrorists towards that goal, which he has done on a number of occasions while in office while Shalit remains captive.
Western news sources are reporting Egypt has formulated a three-stage ceasefire plan which includes a prisoner exchange deal and Israel’s opening of two Gaza crossings. Reuter’s carried a report that talks are ongoing but there are no reports regarding a deal at this stage.
The first stage calls for a cessation of rocket attacks and a halt of IDF operations against Gaza, an 18-month ceasefire. The second stage is a prisoner release, Gilad Shalit for 1,000 terrorists and security prisoners as well as permitting 250 trucks to enter Gaza daily, as opposed an average of 100 daily at present.
The final stage will compel Hamas to enter into talks towards forming a national unity government to include Fatah and other parties.
Terrorists included in the release include those responsible for some of the bloodiest attacks, such as Matzah and Sbarro Restaurants and the Park Hotel.
One of the objections comes from Israel, with Jerusalem maintaining its opposition to the transfer of many building materials into Gaza, materials that can be used to manufacture rockets and ammunition. Egypt is signaling it will open the Rafiach Crossing and international observers will take position at the crossing to Sinai, observers who will report directly to Abu Mazen.
The Security Cabinet, Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Foreign Minister Tzipi Livni met over the weekend to discuss the developments. Barak commented that if there is not quiet, Israel will have to strike Hamas again, adding “between the beating Hamas took and the one it will receive, we must permit the Egyptians to attempt to move ahead with diplomacy. We must exhibit a serious attitude and respect regarding the ongoing process”.
(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)
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6 Responses
Seeing is believing.
This is a real tough question. Should Israel release 1,000 terrorists with blood on their
hands to trade for Shalit.
These terrorists will go back to terror and will
kill hundreds os israelis.
Futher, this will encourage HAMAS to kidnap
other Israeli soldiers.
A better solution…Round up the 1,000
Hamas terrorists and tell Hamas that they should
release SHALIT IMMEDIATELY. Failure to do so
will bring about the execution of the 1,000
prisoners, by ISRAEL.
re; 2.-alanjayros FOR SHAILOS LIKE THESE, WE HAVE GEDOLEI YISROEL! HOW EASILY WE FORGET.
i dont think they are scared of their “arab blood being murdered.. they could care less they would say it was “jihad” – whtvr it is they believe…either way we must pray for Gilad’s return to be with life …..
I agree with bklynmom. Barghouti may walk to freedom BUT WHAT ABOUT GILAD SHALIT!!!!!!!!!!?????????????
Ein podin es hashvuyin yeser al kedei demeihen. Nowadays, when there is no slave market, “kedei demeihen” is ZERO; there is nowhere else for a kidnapper to get money for his victim if we refuse to pay ransom, and therefore ANY ransom payment encourages kidnappers to strike again.