By NNN-KUNA
Gaza : While Israel has reached an initial deal with Hamas to release 230 Palestinian prisoners, Israeli Premier Ehud Olmert vowed fierce retaliations over any aggression on his country.
According to Israeli radio on Monday, the two sides are still quarrelling over another 120 Palestinian prisoners Israel refuses to release.
Hamas has meanwhile requested their release in the first phase of any anticipated prisoner exchange that would include Israeli soldier Gilat Shalit, captured by three Palestinian factions in the summer of 2006, the radio said.
It added that 44 names on Hamas’ list were supposed to have been released, had not Israel changed its stance.
On his part, Olmert said he was not optimistic when it came to reports about Shalit’s release, adding that Israel was continuing talks to release the two soldiers held by Hezbollah on the assumption they are still alive.
He claimed that he has agreed with Palestinian National Authority (PNA) President Mahmoud Abbas to make Jerusalem the last issue of discussion in ongoing peace talks. The two leaders will meet in Jerusalem on Tuesday.
Olmert said he was not certain a comprehensive accord will be reached with the Palestinians, hoping to reach a declaration of principles at the least.
No actual progress has been achieved in Palestinian-Israeli talks as the PNA wants a comprehensive peace accord while Tel Aviv only wants a declaration.