Israeli Public Security Minister Avi Dichter suggested on Friday
that Israel might release Palestinian prisoners if an abducted
Israeli soldier is freed, local media reported.
Dichter said that once Gilad Shalit is released and Palestinian
militants stop firing rockets at Israel, "then, in a goodwill
gesture, Israel, as it has in the past, knows how to free
prisoners."
Speaking to business executives at a Tel Aviv hotel, the
minister alluded to the possibility that releasing prisoners
remains an option in future affairs as well.
"The release of prisoners in exchange for an end to the Qassam
rocket fire on Israel is an attainable goal," Dichter said.
"We've done it in the past to free hostages and in exchange for
calm," Dichter said, adding that "we all hope Gilad will come home
safe and sound."
Hamas sources said on Thursday that the group would agree to
release Shalit and stop firing Qassam rockets at Israel in exchange
for the release of all female Palestinian prisoners and about 30
prisoners who have been in Israeli jails for more than 20
years.
Shalit was kidnapped by Palestinian militants on June 25.
(Xinhua News Agency July 8, 2006)
