Skip to main content

Is Hamas PlanningTo Kidnap More Israelis?

Hamas seems to be seriously planning to kidnap another Israeli soldier or settler after the success of the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange, writes Adnan Abu Amer.
Hamas mediator Ahmed Al-Jaabari (L) escorts Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit on the Egyptian side of the Rafah border crossing in this October 18, 2011 file photo. Israel killed  Jaabari, the military commander of the Islamist group Hamas, in a missile strike on the Gaza Strip on November 14, 2012 and launched air raids across the enclave, pushing the two sides to the brink of a new war.  REUTERS/Middle East News Agency (MENA)/Khalid Farid/File       (EGYPT - Tags: POLITICS CIVIL UNREST)  FOR EDITORIAL USE ONLY
Read in 

On April 17 every year, Palestinians commemorate Prisoners’ Day.  But what was unusual this year were statements by Hamas leaders claiming that the only means to release Palestinian prisoners was by forcing Israel to exchange prisoners. That was said by the head of Hamas’s political bureau, Khaled Meshaal. 

Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh in Gaza made a speech that untied the hands of the Al-Qassam Brigades to resolve the prisoners’ issue and end their tragedy and suffering. He praised the successful kidnapping of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit and holding him for five years.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.