Hamas will give details on KIA soldiers only after prisoner release

Hamas sources say they will give more details about the fate of two killed Israeli soldiers, whose remains are believed to still be held by the terror group, only after Israel releases Palestinian prisoners.

Oron Shaul was killed in the Gaza Strip during last summer’s 50-day military campaign, Operation Protective Edge. His remains, along with those of a second soldier, Hadar Goldin, are believed to be held by Hamas, which seeks to use them as a bargaining chip.

In an apparent effort to leverage Israel into negotiating a prisoner exchange, Hamas recently delivered an emotional written appeal purporting to be from the slain Shaul to his bereaved parents, begging for his release.

IDF soldiers Oron Shaul (left) and Hadar Goldin (right) (Flash90)

Last month, Hamas leader Khaled Mashaal reportedly demanded the release of dozens of Palestinian prisoners — including Marwan Barghouti and Ahmad Saadat — in exchange for the bodies of Goldin and Shaul.