Hamas suspends talks with Israel

Source: CCTV.com | 07-05-2008 10:29

A senior Hamas official in Gaza says they have suspended negotiations with Israel over a possible deal to release a captured Israeli soldier. Gilad Shalit has been held by militants for over two years.

A Hamas spokesman said the suspension was due to Israel's decision to keep its border crossings closed along the Gaza Strip in retaliation for a rocket fired on Thursday. The rocket landed in an open field, causing no damage or injuries.

Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zhuri said, "The Hamas movement has decided to suspend the talks regarding the captured soldier Gilad Shalit, because of Israel's violation of the ceasefire agreement by closing the crossings and the situation is worse than before."

Israel says it made the decision to close border crossings as Palestinian militants in Gaza have not halted attacks on southern Israel.

The Israeli government imposed the economic sanctions on Gaza a year ago. Only food and humanitarian supplies have been allowed into Gaza.

Hamas says negotiations on a prisoner swap won't start until Israel shows a full commitment to an Egyptian-brokered truce between Hamas and Israel.

Editor:Zhang Ning