Published 16:41 12.02.09
Latest update 07:15 13.02.09

Hamas: Shalit release not included in Gaza truce

Group official: Egypt to announce truce by Saturday, Israel to reopen six Gaza border crossings.

By The Associated Press Tags: Hamas Israel news Gaza IDF

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Hamas deputy chief Moussa Abu Marzouk said Thursday night that the Islamic militant group has agreed to a long-term truce with Israel, but that the deal would not include the immediate release of abducted Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit.

Abu Marzouk told MENA that Egypt's government, which has been mediating between Hamas and Israel, would announce the truce within two days of consultations with other Palestinian factions, but said that a deal for Shalit's release would be negotiated later.

Abu Marzouk also told the agency that under the Egyptian-brokered deal Israel will reopen six border crossings with the strip.

Prime Minister Ehud Olmert's office said the Israeli government had no comment on the report.

Egypt has been trying to broker a prisoner exchange between Israel and Hamas, which is holding Shalit, who was abducted more than two years ago in a cross-border raid from Gaza into southern Israel.

Earlier on Thursday, Hamas said a truce agreement with Israel on the Gaza Strip would most likely be announced in the next three days.

"Most of the obstacles that prevented us from reaching an agreement were resolved and an announcement of a deal is expected within three days," said Taher al-Nono, a member of Hamas's negotiating team in Cairo.

Nono said the agreement would ensure the end of all violence in the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip and the opening of the territory's border crossings.

Hamas demands any Gaza truce include full opening of its borders. Israel wants guarantees Hamas will be prevented from smuggling weapons into Gaza.

Also Thursday, MENA said Hamas' strongman from Gaza, Mahmoud Zahar, and deputy chief Moussa Abu Marzouk from the group's Damascus branch were taking part in the negotiations in the Egyptian capital.

Egyptian intelligence chief Gen. Omar Suleiman has been trying to broker a more solid cease-fire following Israel's 22-day offensive in Gaza last month, which was launced in aim to bring Hamas's rocket firing into southern Israel to a halt.