According to a Channel 10 TV News report, a letter sent from Egyptian intelligence chief, Omar Suleiman, to Hamas politburo leader Khaled Meshal includes a warning of a major military offensive in Gaza.
Suleiman sent the letter to the Damascus-based terror leader, instructing him to order the release of Gilad Shalit, who has been held captive for three months. The letter follows ongoing Egyptian mediation efforts towards obtaining Shalit’s release.
Meshal Instructed to Move Towards Coalition Government
According to a foreign agency report, the letter also instructs Meshal to begin cooperating with ongoing efforts towards building a coalition government in the PA (Palestinian Authority) between Hamas, the ruling party, and Fatah, headed by Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen).
A coalition government now appears to be the only route available to the PA towards lifting economic sanctions imposed following the Hamas victory at the polls in January.
Hamas Refuses to Change its Position
According to reports from Gaza, Hamas’ adamant refusal to formally recognize Israel’s right to exist is the major stumbling block to the formation of the unity government. The recognition of Israel is one of the demands being imposed on the PA by the Quartet, which is made up of the United States, European Union (EU), the United Nations and Russia. The Quartet is also demanding the PA cease using terrorism as a means towards achieving its goals as well as seeking a commitment from the PA leaders that they will adhere to agreements signed by previous administrations.
According to an AP report, Hamas’ failure to release Shalit by month’s end will result in a new IDF offensive against Hamas targets in Gaza, one that will be directed at senior terrorist leaders.
Hamas Seeking a Major Prisoner Release for Shalit’s Freedom
According to reports that have appeared in the Arab media during recent days and weeks, Hamas is remaining firm in negotiations with Jerusalem regarding a prisoner exchange deal for Shalit. Most recent reports indicate Hamas has demanded the release of Fatah Tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti and PFLP leader Ahmed Sa’adat, but Israel has rejected such a possibility.
Barghouti is serving several life sentences in an Israeli prison for his part in orchestrating numerous fatal terror attacks. Sa’adat is connected to the assassination of Tourism Minister Rechavam Ze’evi in a Jerusalem hotel. Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon stated on numerous occasions that Sa’adat would never see the light of day.
Warning Comes in the Shadow of Ongoing Rocket Attacks
While Israel contemplates a renewed assault against Hamas targets in Gaza, rocket attacks against civilian population centers in the western Negev continue on a daily basis.
In one such attack on Tuesday morning, a home on Herzl Street in Sderot was hit by a rocket fired from northern Gaza. One person sustained moderate injuries and several others were injured lightly.
Despite Israel’s decision to halt its major counter-terror offensive in July, the rocket attacks have continued and of late, they have become increasingly frequent.
Suleiman sent the letter to the Damascus-based terror leader, instructing him to order the release of Gilad Shalit, who has been held captive for three months. The letter follows ongoing Egyptian mediation efforts towards obtaining Shalit’s release.
Meshal Instructed to Move Towards Coalition Government
According to a foreign agency report, the letter also instructs Meshal to begin cooperating with ongoing efforts towards building a coalition government in the PA (Palestinian Authority) between Hamas, the ruling party, and Fatah, headed by Chairman Mahmoud Abbas (Abu Mazen).
A coalition government now appears to be the only route available to the PA towards lifting economic sanctions imposed following the Hamas victory at the polls in January.
Hamas Refuses to Change its Position
According to reports from Gaza, Hamas’ adamant refusal to formally recognize Israel’s right to exist is the major stumbling block to the formation of the unity government. The recognition of Israel is one of the demands being imposed on the PA by the Quartet, which is made up of the United States, European Union (EU), the United Nations and Russia. The Quartet is also demanding the PA cease using terrorism as a means towards achieving its goals as well as seeking a commitment from the PA leaders that they will adhere to agreements signed by previous administrations.
According to an AP report, Hamas’ failure to release Shalit by month’s end will result in a new IDF offensive against Hamas targets in Gaza, one that will be directed at senior terrorist leaders.
Hamas Seeking a Major Prisoner Release for Shalit’s Freedom
According to reports that have appeared in the Arab media during recent days and weeks, Hamas is remaining firm in negotiations with Jerusalem regarding a prisoner exchange deal for Shalit. Most recent reports indicate Hamas has demanded the release of Fatah Tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti and PFLP leader Ahmed Sa’adat, but Israel has rejected such a possibility.
Barghouti is serving several life sentences in an Israeli prison for his part in orchestrating numerous fatal terror attacks. Sa’adat is connected to the assassination of Tourism Minister Rechavam Ze’evi in a Jerusalem hotel. Former Prime Minister Ariel Sharon stated on numerous occasions that Sa’adat would never see the light of day.
Warning Comes in the Shadow of Ongoing Rocket Attacks
While Israel contemplates a renewed assault against Hamas targets in Gaza, rocket attacks against civilian population centers in the western Negev continue on a daily basis.
In one such attack on Tuesday morning, a home on Herzl Street in Sderot was hit by a rocket fired from northern Gaza. One person sustained moderate injuries and several others were injured lightly.
Despite Israel’s decision to halt its major counter-terror offensive in July, the rocket attacks have continued and of late, they have become increasingly frequent.