Haniyeh said in a statement that “everyone must return to a situation of calm,” adding that “It is necessary that Israel halt its military operation in the Gaza Strip and withdraw its forces.”
Israel immediately refused. “We do not hold negotiations with terrorists,” said a spokesman for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. “They must first return the kidnapped soldier unharmed and cease their fire.”
Shalit was captured during a raid on an IDF outpost at the Kerem Shalom border crossing with Gaza and Egypt on June 25. Two were killed died and four were wounded during the attack by eight members of three Palestinian terror organizations, who reached their target through underground tunnels leading into Israel. Two terrorists were killed in the ensuing short battle.
Israel immediately refused. “We do not hold negotiations with terrorists,” said a spokesman for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert. “They must first return the kidnapped soldier unharmed and cease their fire.”
Shalit was captured during a raid on an IDF outpost at the Kerem Shalom border crossing with Gaza and Egypt on June 25. Two were killed died and four were wounded during the attack by eight members of three Palestinian terror organizations, who reached their target through underground tunnels leading into Israel. Two terrorists were killed in the ensuing short battle.