Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh says deal in which prisoners from all factions released is testimony to Hamas dedication to entire Palestinian people.
By HaaretzTags: HamasGilad Shalit
Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh called the release of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the return of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit on Tuesday a strategic turning point in Hamas’s struggle against Israel.
“This is a strategic turning point in our struggle against the Zionist enemy,” Haniyeh said at a celebration in Gaza on Tuesday evening, adding “it was thanks to our resistance that we were able to release the land and the people.”
Hamas freed Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit on Tuesday after holding him in captivity for over five years. Israel released 1,027 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for his return.
The Palestinian leader told the cheering crowd that he committed to two main things as part of the Shalit deal that were testimony to Hamas’s dedication to the entire Palestinian people.
“First of all, the Palestinians released were from all Palestinian groups and factions, and secondly, the prisoners were from all parts of Palestine,” Haniyeh said
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/hamas-leader-shalit-deal-turning-point-in-struggle-against-israel-1.390843