Hamas, responsible for IDF soldier Gilad Shalit’s abduction and captivity for the last four years, appears to be pleased with the participation in the “free Shalit” march, and adds its own pressure to boot.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum, in a statement to the media that appears on the Hamas internet site, says that the Netanyahu goverment is “foolish” and “arrogant” for ignoring Israeli public opinion and the feelings of the Shalit family.
In light of reports that Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu is considering applying additional pressure upon Hamas regarding Gilad Shalit – such as the demand that a neutral observer be allowed to visit him – Barhoum says that Israel continued to adhere to its “foolish positions” that are liable to lead to failure and a slide down dangerous slopes.
Israel has agreed to release 1,000 terrorists, including many murderers, yet Barhoum says that Israel never took the Hamas positions “seriously” because of its [Israel’s] “haughtiness.”
“Our demands are not up for negotiation,” Barhoum stated, noting that they include the release of as many terrorists as possible from among the Hamas leadership and those serving long sentences.
While Minister Michael Eitan of the Likud is taking part in the march for Gilad Shalit, even several Labor Party ministers have said that releasing terrorists in order to obtain Shalit’s freedom could endanger Israel’s security.