Noam Shalit, whose son was kidnapped to Gaza by Hamas terrorists over six months ago, has made contact with one of the kidnappers, an Arabic newspaper reports.
The London-based Al-Hayat reports that Noam Shalit, who lives in a small community in the Galilee, has made contact with one of the commanders of the Islamic Army - one of three terrorist groups responsible for the June 2006 abduction. Two IDF soldiers were killed in the course of the kidnapping.
Shalit reportedly wished to hear first-hand information regarding his son's condition, including whether he is still alive, and the kidnappers' precise demands for his release. The terrorist commander, Mamtaz Darmash, reportedly expressed a degree of willingness to meet with the hostage's father.
Released for publication:
Terrorists responsible for a shooting attack in October 2006 have been arrested. Two Israelis guarding the construction of the partition barrier were wounded in the attack. In the course of the joint IDF-Shabak operation smashing the terror ring, a second terror gang was also uncovered, responsible for a similar shooting attack in June 2006. The arrested terrorists are members of both Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Checkpoints Being Thinned Out
Meanwhile, in accordance with US State Secretary Rice's request of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert during their Jerusalem meeting this week, the IDF has resumed removing checkpoints in Judea and Samaria. This, despite their importance in fighting constant terror threats, of which intelligence information continues to stream in. Some 30 checkpoints are scheduled to be taken down, allowing Arab cars from the Palestinian Authority to travel more freely on main traffic arteries in Judea and Samaria.
Two Kassam rockets were fired from Gaza today at Israel: One landed south of Ashkelon in the morning hours, and another one landed two hours later in the western Negev. Neither caused damage. The total number of Kassams fired over the past week is five.
The London-based Al-Hayat reports that Noam Shalit, who lives in a small community in the Galilee, has made contact with one of the commanders of the Islamic Army - one of three terrorist groups responsible for the June 2006 abduction. Two IDF soldiers were killed in the course of the kidnapping.
Shalit reportedly wished to hear first-hand information regarding his son's condition, including whether he is still alive, and the kidnappers' precise demands for his release. The terrorist commander, Mamtaz Darmash, reportedly expressed a degree of willingness to meet with the hostage's father.
Released for publication:
Terrorists responsible for a shooting attack in October 2006 have been arrested. Two Israelis guarding the construction of the partition barrier were wounded in the attack. In the course of the joint IDF-Shabak operation smashing the terror ring, a second terror gang was also uncovered, responsible for a similar shooting attack in June 2006. The arrested terrorists are members of both Hamas and Islamic Jihad.
Checkpoints Being Thinned Out
Meanwhile, in accordance with US State Secretary Rice's request of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert during their Jerusalem meeting this week, the IDF has resumed removing checkpoints in Judea and Samaria. This, despite their importance in fighting constant terror threats, of which intelligence information continues to stream in. Some 30 checkpoints are scheduled to be taken down, allowing Arab cars from the Palestinian Authority to travel more freely on main traffic arteries in Judea and Samaria.
Two Kassam rockets were fired from Gaza today at Israel: One landed south of Ashkelon in the morning hours, and another one landed two hours later in the western Negev. Neither caused damage. The total number of Kassams fired over the past week is five.