Palestinians stand near a workshop damaged after an Israeli air strike in Jabalya in the northern Gaza Strip February 14, 2009. REUTERS/Ismail ZaydahIsrael Links Truce With Hamas To Soldier's Release -- AP
JERUSALEM (AP) — Israel's outgoing prime minister on Saturday ruled out a long-term truce in Gaza without the release of an Israeli soldier held in the Hamas-ruled territory — a sign that a month of negotiations may have stalled.
Egypt has been mediating indirect cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas since Israel unilaterally halted its fierce three-week offensive in Gaza. Under an emerging truce deal, Israel would gradually ease its border blockade of Gaza, in exchange for a halt to weapons smuggling and attacks by Gaza militants.
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More News On The Israeli - Hamas Conflict
Israel rules out Gaza truce unless soldier freed -- Reuters
Egyptian sources: Shalit part of ceasefire deal -- Ynet News
Israel hits gunmen in Gaza, kills youth in West Bank -- Reuters
Israeli gunboats hit northern Gaza -- Press TV
Gaza fishermen at risk as Israel hits arms smuggling -- Reuters
Hamas Sees Cease-Fire Within Days; Israel Demurs -- New York Times