Monday, January 1, 2007

Violence in Gaza

A day of resumed violence in Gaza and a return to kidnapping. Fatah and Hamas return to kidnapping each other members.
At least 4 Fatah operatives and 18 Hamas militants were kidnapped today in Gaza. 7 of the 18 Hamas kidnapees had already been released, but it is feared that the situation is on the brink of explosion.
This afternoon, a French photographer was kidnapped by masked men. It is yet unclear which organization is responsible for the kidnapping.
President Abu Mazen ordered security forces to search for the photographer.
In another incident, two mortars were fired on the house of a senior Fatah officer.

Gilad Shalit is close to being released


Kidnapped Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, who is being held captive for the past six months by Hamas in Gaza is to be released soon, according to Palestinian media.

The deal shall be announced in the forthcoming meeting between Ehud Olmert and Abu Mazen which is scheduled for this Thursday. According to the Palestinian media report, in the first stage, Hamas will deliver a tape proving that Shalit is alive and Israel will release several hundreds low scale Palestinian prisoners. Afterwards, Shalit will be delivered to Egyptian hands and Israel will release higher scale prisoners in return.

Ehud Olmert's spokesperson said that no breakthrough has been reached.