From the Liveblog of
Sunday, July 8, 2018
Qatari mediator: Prisoner swap only way Hamas will agree to return IDF bodies
A Qatari mediator between Israel and Hamas says that the Gaza-ruling terror group will not return the bodies of IDF soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul unless Israel releases Palestinian security prisoners in exchange.
“The rehabilitation of Gaza in exchange for the return of the Israeli captives is not possible. Only the formula ‘prisoners in return for prisoners’ will work, Muhammad al-Amadi tells the Kan public broadcaster.
The interview comes amid reports that Israel has offered to establish a seaport in Cyprus for Gaza in exchange for the release of the remains of Goldin and Shaul.
Amadi says that Hamas will not agree to any deal that does not include the return of the security prisoners who were rearrested after being released in the 2011 prisoner swap for Gilad Shalit.
The Times of Israel Community.