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Hamas, Egypt disagree on Shalit

By · August 19, 2008

Differences are widening between Hamas and Egypt over the release of Gilad Shalit.

According to multiple reports in the Israeli media in recent days, Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman has asked Hamas to stop obstructing the deal. Suleiman is leading negotiations for the release of the Israeli soldier captured in a 2006 cross-border raid.

Gunmen affiliated with Hamas, the terrorist group controlling Gaza, carried out the kidnapping.

Omar Suleiman has said he wants a deal in place by November.

Hamas reportedly keeps upping the ante, wanting Israel to include senior terrorists among the 1,000 Palestinian prisoners to be exchanged in the deal. Hamas also is demanding that Egypt reopen its border with Gaza. Egypt shut down the border early this year to stop arms smuggling into Gaza.

Palestinian media report that Israel is balking at Hamas demands that it continue the lull in assassinations of Hamas targets. Hamas believes that keeping Shalit has led Israel to decrease the killings.

Hamas reportedly also may ask for Europeans to take over the mediation.

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