Hamas on Monday charged that statements by the Israeli foreign ministry's spokeswoman reflected her government's ill-intentions and attempts to manipulate calm conditions. Amira Oron, the Israeli foreign ministry's spokesperson, said that Gaza Strip's commercial crossings would not return to normal activity until the case of captured Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was closed.
Hamas-affiliated fighters captured Sgt. Gilad Schalit two years ago in a cross-border raid.
On his part, Dr. Sami Abu Zuhri said in a press release that Hamas was committed to the calm agreement along with other Palestinian factions, and added that there is a price for calm which Israel must abide by. "Hamas would not allow retaining the Palestinian people hostage to occupation's arrogance but would continue to evaluate the situation and decide on means of dealing with it," he noted.
Meanwhile, Hamas hinted Monday they would raise the stakes for the captured Israeli soldier, following Israel's decision to trade a Lebanese prisoner convicted in a brutal attack for the bodies of two other Israeli servicemen. Hamas leader in Gaza Strip, Dr. Mahmoud Zahar, speaking to the independent Al-Quds radio station, said Hamas would take advantage of this decision "to release people Israel accused of having blood on their hands like Samir Kantar. We have to take advantage of this to release our prisoners."
Hamas has demanded freedom for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.
