Ahmad Youssed, the top aide to Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh, said Hamas is not opposed to including the release of captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit in a possible truce deal with Israel. However, Youssef told Hamas newspaper Al-Rasala that this can only be done according to the conditions set by Schalit's captors. In contrast, Hamas spokesman in Gaza , Farzi Barhoum, said that the organization was ready to conclude talks on releasing Schalit as soon as possible but that the issue was separate from that of a Gaza truce. Barhoum accused Israel of trying to dodge Hamas' demands to free Palestinian prisoners. Later Friday, a Hamas delegation is due to travel to Egypt for discussions with Egyptian Intelligence chief Omar Suleiman on a cease-fire. Hamas representatives from Damascus are also set to attend the talks.
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- 09:23Settler presses knife to soldier's throat during altercation
