Hamas: Israel asked to release 2 alive, 2 dead soldiers

The Chief of Hamas’s Political Bureau Khaled Meshaal said on Wednesday that Israel has asked his movement to release two Israeli soldiers and the bodies of two other soldiers captured during last year’s war, against Gaza Palestinian media reported on Wednesday.

Al-Araby Al-Jadeed said that Hamas refused to reply to the Israeli demand, which was passed on to Hamas throughout a German mediator.

Meshaal denied that his movement has been working together with the Israeli occupation to reach a 15 or 20 year truce. “All what has been done was discussion about the ceasefire that ended the 51-day war last year,” he said.

He also said that Hamas’s military wing had improved and rehabilitated its military facilities. “We do not need a war,” Meshaal said, “but we want to be ready for any war imposed on us.”

Regarding the government, Meshaal noted that the Doha, Cairo and Al-Shat’e agreements are enough to end the internal division and form a unity government with an agreed programme. He reiterated that partnership among the Palestinians is a “must”, in addition to elections.

He said that none of the Palestinian factions can cutail the other. “Hamas does not have the right and cannot end Fatah,” Meshaal said, stressing on common cooperation and partnership with other factions.

Meanwhile, Meshaal stressed that his movement does not interfere with internal or external affairs of any of the countries in the region. He expressed his hope and wishes of good fortune for the Egyptian army and people.

He said that no Hamas members or even supporters has been involved in the attacks on the Egyptian army in Sinai.

Concluding his remarks, he said that the top priorities on Hamas’s shoulders are the rebuilding of the Palestinian houses and ending the Israeli siege.