By Xinhua,
Gaza : Palestinian Islamic Hamas movement on Wednesday denied reports that Egypt promised Israel not to open its borders with Gaza as long as Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit is still held hostage in the Hamas-controlled Gaza.
“The issue of Rafah border crossing will be handled under the Egyptian-brokered ceasefire,” said Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri.” Shalit’s issue is being treated as part of a prisoner exchange deal where the conditions are known from the past.”
“The reports about linking Shalit’s issue with Rafah crossing are untrue,” Abu Zuhri added.
Egypt succeeded in brokering a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel which went into effect in Gaza Strip on Thursday.
According to the deal, Israel will ease the economic embargo on Gaza Strip but Rafah crossing, the only gate for Gaza travelers, will be talked about in Cairo in advanced phases of the six-month ceasefire.
Israel insists that Rafah crossing will not be open as long as Shalit is still held hostage.