Despite Prime Minister Ehud Olmert’s firm position, Hamas is not exhibiting flexibility and it is a battle of nerves as the terror organization continues to announce it will not include the release of Gilad Shalit in a Gaza ceasefire deal.

As the National Security Cabinet convenes on Wednesday, Hamas leaders in Gaza continue to state the ceasefire and the release of Shalit in exchange for prisoners are two separate entities and they will remain such. Hamas is seeking a ceasefire arrangement with Israel that includes the opening of all Gaza crossings, which Olmert insists will not occur ahead of Shalit’s release.

While there is a cautious air of optimism surrounding the conflicting reports and disinformation, on Tuesday the prime minister stated that it now appears that Shalit may not be home before he steps down from office.

Noam and Aviva Shalit, Gilad’s parents, are calling on the government to do everything possible to actualize a deal at present, fearing if the government steps down; the limited window of opportunity may close forever chas v’sholom, drawing an analogy from the painful case of Ron Arad, who fell into captivity in October 1986. 

In a statement released to the media on Tuesday, the Shalits added that since Gilad fell into captivity almost 1,000 days ago, the Olmert administration has made a number of good-will prisoner releases and has permitted humanitarian aid into Gaza while Hamas has done nothing in return, pointing out that to date, no one has been permitted to visit with their son, not even a representative of the International Red Cross.

During a visit to the Kosel Tunnels on Tuesday, Mr. Olmert stated he hopes the entire matter will end very soon, “even if not during my term, but shortly thereafter”.

“Whoever sends soldiers into battle bears the responsibility and I accept the responsibility here. The price will be a heavy one,” added the prime minister.

(Yechiel Spira – YWN Israel)