LOC13:23
10:23 GMT
GAZA, Jan 22 (KUNA) -- Hamas leader Mahmoud al-Zahar said Saturday the
negotiation of prisoners exchange of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit is taking
place secretly due to its sensitivity.
Al-Zahar said during a meeting with Libyan Al-Quds 5 convoy, Israel has
raised the issue of the Israeli soldier through their sources and media,
adding that this topic is sensitive at the moment and any remarks to the press
can affect the issue.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced last October the
resumption of indirect negotiations with Hamas on a prisoner exchange deal
through a German mediator.
Netanyahu stressed the need to hold these negotiations behind closed doors,
while negotiations stopped between Germany, Hamas and Israel's government in
2009.
Hamas abducted Israeli soldier in 2006 and demands the release of 450
prisoners in exchange, but Israel rejects such a demand. (end)
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