Hamas warned Thursday afternoon that progress will not be made towards releasing kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Shalit unless Israel keeps the Gaza crossings open. Egypt invited Hamas on Tuesday to continue indirect talks on conditions for freeing the soldier, but Hamas "apologized because it rejects to start new discussions before the previous understandings are applied, especially the issue of lull," Hamas negotiator Osama Al-Muzaini said.

He also complained that the amounts of products and fuel that Israel has allowed into Gaza "prove that the Israeli side still is evading from implementing its obligations." Israel announced several hours ago that the Gaza crossings will be shut down on Friday because of the resumption of Kassam rocket fire on Israel.

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