Hamas officials deny that Shalit deal is imminent

Hamas is continuing to hold out on its final answer to the proposal delivered by the German mediator on a deal for the release of Gilad Shalit.

According to Arab media reports, the impression is that the group is trying to evade offering a response as long as possible.

Official spokesmen for Hamas have said that the differences between the two sides are great, and negotiations for a deal may last months.

For their part, Israeli security sources were not quick to adopt the comments yesterday by MK Daniel Ben Simon (Labor) who claimed that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is ready to bring the deal to fruition in a week or two.

Ben Simon said Saturday in Be'er Sheva that in two weeks the Shalit deal would begin. He also hinted that jailed Tanzim leader Marwan Barghouti would be among those released, and that the discussion are now about whether he will be released to Ramallah or abroad.

Several hours later, Ben Simon claimed that the comments he made reflected solely his opinion.

Meanwhile, the Arab media have reported that the differences between the two sides have narrowed considerably. According to the daily Al-Hayat published in London, the difference is now over 50 of the 450 prisoners Hamas wants released from Israeli prisons.

Another Arab daily, Al-Ayam, said that Hamas sources have claimed that the differences revolve around 15 names alone.

Another issue is that Israel continues to refuse the release prisoners who are Arab Israelis. However, reports agree that both Hamas and Israel believe the negotiations will be completed before January.