[Dr. Lerner - IMRA: For some reason, the folks at Ma'an declined to mention
in this article that the Israeli restrictions were in reaction to ongoing
Palestinian violations in the form of rocket and mortar attacks.]

Hamas: negotiations on release of Shalit suspended
Date: 04 / 07 / 2008 Time: 13:56
www.maannews.net/en/index.php?opr=ShowDetails&ID=30304

Gaza - Ma'an - Hamas have suspended any negotiations on a prisoner swap with
Israel that would include captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, Hamas
spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said on Friday.

Barhoum told Ma'an that Hamas have always maintained that the Hamas truce
with Israel and the issue of a prisoner exchange deal are separate issues
and each should be taken on their own merit.

Egypt will call for an indirect dialogue between Hamas and Israel to discuss
Shalit's case only after Israel abides by all of the terms of the truce,
including opening the Gaza crossings, Barhoum added.

Israel has not met the conditions of the truce as the coastal sector is
still under siege, the crossings remain closed and only very small amounts
of food and fuel are being allowed in, he said.

Barhoum added that Hamas is not prepared to deal with negotiations on any
other issues as long as Israel continues to demonstrate its lack of
commitment to the agreement.

He also called on Egypt to pressure Israel to lift the Gaza siege and stop
their aggression against the Palestinian people.