Militants: Israel Has until 6 A.M. Tuesday to Respond to Demands on Soldier’s Return
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The three Palestinian militant groups behind the kidnap of an Israel Defense Forces soldier on Monday gave Israel until 6 A.M. Tuesday to release Palestinian prisoners or “pay the consequences.”
The groups – Hamas’ military wing and two other factions -previously issued a demand for the release of 1,000 Palestinians jailed in Israel in exchange for Shalit’s return.
The defense establishment is prepared to release Palestinian prisoners who have not been convicted of hostile terror activity, if a deal is reached with Hamas on the release of Shalit and bringing calm to the Gaza-Israel border.
The IDF said it would not support a deal that would release terrorists “with blood on their hands,” but only those who have not been involved in planning or carrying out terror attacks. The army would be willing to release individuals who are being held under the Prevention of Terrorism Ordinance, such as Hamas ministers and members of the Palestinian Legislative Council, as well as security prisoners jailed for relatively minor offenses, such as belonging to terrorist organizations.