Subscribe to Print Edition | Mon., March 09, 2009 Adar 13, 5769 | | Israel Time: 17:56 (EST+7)   Back to Homepage web haaretz.com Haaretz Toolbar Diplomacy Defense Jewish World Opinion National Print Edition Car Rental Books Haaretz Magazine Business Real Estate Joy of Giving Travel Week's End Anglo File

ANALYSIS / Hamas rift holding up approval of Gilad Shalit deal By Amos Harel and Avi Issacharoff Tags: Hamas, Khaled Meshal  Anyone who has been burned repeatedly in the past needs to be extra careful, but over the weekend it seemed that for the first time some optimism was justified. A genuine opportunity is out there, not only for a long-term cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, but also, according to a variety of sources linked to the talks, for a deal to free captured soldier Gilad Shalit. The main obstacle to what sources have described as a "negotiated formula" remains Khaled Meshal and the Hamas politburo in Damascus. Even though details remain unclear, it appears that the most significant change occurred in Hamas' "domestic" leadership. For the first time in weeks, senior figures of the organization, including Mahmoud al-Zahar, left the Strip to visit Cairo and then Damascus for talks. It seems they have reached the end of their tether, with Israeli military pressure and the economic siege on the Strip, accompanied by the constant threat on the lives of Hamas leaders. The Hamas leadership in Gaza is ready for a deal, one that will include the opening of the border crossings, an 18-month cease-fire, and probably an exchange of Shalit for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Advertisement A finalizing of the deal - there will be no signing of this "non-paper" - is still very much up to the Palestinian leadership. The head of Hamas' military wing, Ahmed Ja'abari, is likely to oppose it. But Meshal's opinion is even more important in light of his steady opposition to any progress in recent months. Zahar is expected to make the view from Gaza clear to Meshal; a rejection of the Egyptian proposal will be seen as missing a historic opportunity to ensure Hamas' control over the Strip. There has been growing tension between Hamas' domestic leaders and those abroad. The former have felt that they have been pushed by the group's Damascus leadership to confront Israel, with the people of Gaza paying the price. The local leadership is now asking to take control of the group. For a deal to take place, the pieces need to fall in the right order on the Israeli side, too. The case of Gilad Shalit is of paramount importance for Israel, and its handling is sensitive. But there is a growing inclination toward greater flexibility and the release of however many Palestinians are needed to bring Shalit home. The timing of the election may be ideal, as Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is on his way out and may clear this thorniest of issues from the prime minister's desk, leaving his successor with no public blame. On the other hand, as the elections are three days away, an announcement tomorrow that a breakthrough has been achieved may draw votes away from Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud toward the center-left of Kadima and Labor. Related articles: Hamas leader Zahar: Final word on Israel truce proposal soon Noam Shalit: Hard to believe there is a deal on Gilad ANALYSIS / Olmert wants Shalit deal before he leaves office Bookmark to del.icio.us   Surprise victory Israel defeats Sweden 3-2 to advance to Davis Cup tennis quarterfinals. Nuclear threshold MI chief: Iran has crossed 'technological threshold' in quest for nukes   1.   A positive development here would bring about further chance 06:04  |  Smadar 08/02/09   2.   Gilad Shalit 07:45  |  JJ 08/02/09   3.   Hamas "politburo" 14:23  |  Yonatan 08/02/09   4.   The main obstacle are murderers and extortionists 15:22  |  Avi 08/02/09   5.   JJ from South Africa 10:49  |  Daniela 09/02/09   6.   Yonatan#3 14:44  |  Peter Mall 09/02/09

Read & React World takes dim view of Lieberman in FM post Responses: 131 Israel defeats Sweden to advance to Davis Cup tennis quarterfinals Responses: 81 Yossi Melman: Israel has failed in bid to halt Iran nuke program Responses: 66 Rerport: Israel knows nothing about Hamas film of Gilad Shalit Responses: 43 More Headlines 17:36 Hezbollah 'still wants to attack Israelis abroad' 16:24 Assad: Syria ready to talk peace with any Israeli government 17:13 Netanyahu looks to rally Likud MKs frustrated over portfolios 16:14 Report: Israel knows nothing about Hamas film of Gilad Shalit 13:07 Katsav's brother: Rape charges are blood libel 17:11 Tel Aviv police hunt head of women trafficking ring 14:44 French filmmaker slammed for likening illegals to WWII Jews 10:48 WATCH: Daily news round-up from Israel 01:59 ANALYSIS / Shalit family are Olmert's most polite opponents 16:25 Israel must halt mining West Bank quarries, says rights group 13:31 Hamas, Fatah head to Cairo for Palestinian unity talks 12:16 Top doctor gets jail for taking bribes from mob boss 10:00 Katsav mum, women's groups welcome rape indictment Previous Editions Select Day 08 mar 06 mar 05 mar 04 mar 03 mar 02 mar 01 mar 27 feb 26 feb 25 feb 24 feb 23 feb

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