Released prisoner says Shalit deal is a “historical achievement,” calls for Hamas to liberate remaining prisoners
In October 2011, the Israeli government agreed to release 1,027 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prison in exchange for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, who had been held hostage by Hamas for more than 5 years.
Headline: "Great joy throughout the West Bank and [Gaza] Strip at welcome for released [prisoners] – President [Abbas]: We hope that Israel will release a similar number of prisoners in accordance with the agreement made with Olmert"
"Yahya Al-Sinwar, a senior member of Hamas and one of the most prominent of the released prisoners, gave a speech at the rally [held in Gaza in honor of the released prisoners] in which he said, 'I call upon all the faction leaders of the Palestinian resistance, and especially the [Hamas’ Izz A-Din] Al-Qassam Brigades, to take upon themselves the speedy liberation of the rest of the prisoners'… He viewed the [prisoner] exchange deal as a 'historical and strategic achievement'."
Note: Yahya Al-Sinwar - senior member of Hamas, was serving 4 life sentences for involvement in the kidnapping and killing of the Israeli soldier Nachshon Wachsman in 1994. Released in the exchange deal for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2011.
Headline: "Great joy throughout the West Bank and [Gaza] Strip at welcome for released [prisoners] – President [Abbas]: We hope that Israel will release a similar number of prisoners in accordance with the agreement made with Olmert"
"Yahya Al-Sinwar, a senior member of Hamas and one of the most prominent of the released prisoners, gave a speech at the rally [held in Gaza in honor of the released prisoners] in which he said, 'I call upon all the faction leaders of the Palestinian resistance, and especially the [Hamas’ Izz A-Din] Al-Qassam Brigades, to take upon themselves the speedy liberation of the rest of the prisoners'… He viewed the [prisoner] exchange deal as a 'historical and strategic achievement'."
Note: Yahya Al-Sinwar - senior member of Hamas, was serving 4 life sentences for involvement in the kidnapping and killing of the Israeli soldier Nachshon Wachsman in 1994. Released in the exchange deal for Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2011.