By KUNA
Gaza : Israel expressed its concern Sunday that Hamas did not intend to carry out a prisoner exchange that would bring about the release of Gilad Shalit, who was abducted by the Palestinian faction on June 25, 2006.
Israeli Defense Ministry sources told Radio Israel that “the common belief is that Shalit is the winning card in the hand of Hamas when facing any operation waged by the Israeli Army in Gaza Strip.” Hamas is demanding the release of hundreds of Palestinians held in Israeli jails in return for Shalit.
According to the sources, Shalit was the “insurance policy” held by Hamas leaders, who fear that if they handed the soldier over, “they will not be safe from Israeli attacks, shelling, and assassinations.” Hamas Politburo Chief Khalid Mishaal had said on Thursday that Shalit was alive and in good health, reiterating that the soldier would not be released without Israel freeing the Palestinian prisoners.