Hamas: "We will not release Cpl Shalit unless Palestinian prisoners are set free"

January 18, 2006

Gaza - Ma'an - The Hamas movement has said that they will not release the captured Israeli soldier, Corporal Gil'ad Shalit unless Israel releases Palestinian prisoners, including high-ranking leaders.

The spokesperson of Hamas, Isma'il Radwan, stated, "We will not [financially] bargain over the Israeli soldier, whatever the consequences may be."

In his address before a Hamas crowd in front of the Red Cross headquarters in Gaza City on Thursday, Radwan declared that Hamas will not abandon the prisoners' issue, "under any pressure or blackmail".

The spokesperson sent a message to the Arab and Islamic worlds, calling on them to support and show solidarity with the Palestinian prisoners' cause. They also sent another message to the international Quartet and the American administration, telling them that "it is time that Palestinian prisoners are released, after suffering enough insults, debasement and deliberate murders".