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February 18, 2009

Israeli Security Cabinet Debates Gaza Cease-Fire Terms
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Hamas is demanding Israel reopen border crossings, release hundreds of
Palestinian prisoners in exchange for end to rocket attacks 
Israel's Security Cabinet has convened to discuss the details of a
possible prisoner swap that could result in the release of a captured
Israeli soldier and the lifting of Israel's blockade on border crossings
into the Gaza Strip. Israel is weighing hefty concessions in
negotiations for an overall cease-fire with militants in Gaza. Hamas,
the militant Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip, is demanding
Israel reopen border crossings to Gaza and release hundreds of
Palestinian prisoners in exchange for an end to the rocket attacks that
militants from Gaza have been inflicting on Southern Israel for nearly
eight years. The Palestinian prisoners include some who Israel says were
involved in terrorist attacks that killed Israeli civilians. Israel
wants the release of Gilad Shalit, an Israel soldier abducted by
Palestinian militants from Gaza in 2006. Ehud Olmert (file photo)Prime
Minister Ehud Olmert hopes to secure a deal for Shalit's release before
he leaves office,!
  following last week's general elections. News reports quote him as
saying a deal might not be finalized until after he is out of office.
Olmert said this week there should be no decision to reopen the
Israeli-controlled borders crossings into Gaza until Shalit is home. He
said this condition is in addition to permanent security guarantees from
Hamas. "This is the priority of Israel," Mr. Olmert said. "First, Gilad
Shalit, second, the end of smuggling of arms across the Egyptian border
through the Philadelphi line into Gaza. And third, complete, total
cease-fire and any hostile activities by the Hamas from Gaza." Militants
in Gaza have continued to fire rockets into Israel on an almost daily
basis, even after Israel's 22-day assault on the enclave ended January
18. Israeli warplanes on Wednesday hit smuggling tunnels in the south of
the Strip and a suspected militant base in response to rocket and mortar
attacks from Gaza. Residents complain they have not been able!
  to rebuild the thousands of homes destroyed in the Israeli raids, whi
ch killed a reported 1,300 people. Scores of trucks carrying
humanitarian supplies have been crossing the border daily, but none of
them carry construction materials. The Israeli blockade includes a ban
on cement, glass, and steel products - materials Israel says militants
could use to step up their attacks. Wednesday's Security Cabinet meeting
was held behind closed doors and participants did not speak to reporters
on their way in. But officials say Mr. Olmert is expected to ask for any
cease-fire deal with Hamas to include a provision for Gilad Shalit's
release. Khaled Mashaal (file photo)The exiled Hamas leader, Khaled
Mashaal, speaking from Syria, rejected any connection between the two
issues. He said it is not possible to link the cease-fire with the issue
of the Israeli prisoner Gilad Shalit. He said Hamas' position is that
Gilad Shalit will be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners
being held by the Israeli occupation. The linkage Israel draws between!
  Gilad Shalit's case and the opening of border crossings could further
stall negotiations for a permanent truce. 


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