Egypt to Hamas: Release IDF soldier, join Abbas unity gov't

[Behind the Aegis]

Egypt has demanded that Hamas immediately release a captured Israel Defense Forces soldier to avoid a worsening crisis in the violence-battered Gaza Strip, Palestinian officials and Arab diplomats said.

The Egyptian demand came in a "strongly worded letter" from Egypt's powerful intelligence chief Omar Suleiman to the Syrian-based Hamas leader Khaled Meshal, the officials said Tuesday. They spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the letter.

The letter also demanded Hamas cooperate fully with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmoud Abbas in forming a national unity government, a step that has been stalled by the militant group's refusal to form an administration that recognizes Israel.

The message reflected increasing impatience with Hamas by Egypt, which has been mediating for months, trying to reach a deal on a prisoner swap for the release of IDF corporal Gilad Shalit, who is being held by Hamas-allied militants in Gaza.

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