RAMALLAH: The Palestinian Hamas movement yesterday said that the Israeli approval of the prisoner exchange deal with the Lebanese Hezbollah group was a victory for the “qualitative balance of power” imposed by the Lebanese resistance. The group also hinted it would press for the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit.
Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum said in a press statement that the deal was an accomplishment for the Lebanese resistance’s steadfastness and determination. He said that “rights should be grabbed rather than begged for, especially when they are usurped by occupation.”
“Israeli authorities should take advantage of the deal and accelerates efforts for the release of Gilad Shalit in exchange for Palestinian prisoners,” Barhoum said.
Hamas-affiliated fighters captured Shalit two years ago in a cross-border raid. Three weeks later, Hezbollah fighters in Lebanon burst across Israel’s northern border and seized Ehud Goldwasser and Eldad Regev, touching off a month-long war between Israel and the group.
Speaking on the independent Al-Quds radio station, Gaza strongman Mahmoud Zahar said Hamas would try to reach a deal with Israel for “the release of people Israel accuses of having blood on their hands, like Samir Kantar.”
The Palestinian Authority also voiced satisfaction over the deal. A Palestinian official told the Israeli daily Yediot Ahronot that “everyone today knows that Israel only understands the language of force. Prisoners, we see again, can only be freed by pressuring Israel and not through negotiations.”
