Mideast truce: Israel offfers prisoner exchance

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Source: CCTV.com | 11-29-2006 09:33

With the ceasefire between Israel and the Palestinians still in its early stages. Israel has offered to exchange prisoners for an Israeli corporal captured in a cross-border raid by Palestinian militants in June. The kidnap triggered a massive Israeli offensive that killed hundreds of Palestinians.

Israel said that the release of the Israeli soldier, held since June by Gaza militants, would lead to the release of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Dani Yatom, Israeli Labor Party Member said, "We are ready for the release of the kidnapped soldier Gilad Shalit to release hundreds of Palestinians who are behind bars. And I think that we will have to do it because it is very very important that we will get back Gilad Shalit."

Israel also said the truce that has been upheld in Gaza city could be extended from Gaza to the West Bank if calm is restored.

Amir Peretz, Isareli Defense Minister said, "When we reach some sort of understanding about stopping the terrorist attacks that happen here, we will reconsider the way in which Israeli forces operate."

Peretz said if there were violations of the ceasefire, there would be a severe reaction.

He said, "We are committed to the protection of Israeli citizens, and we will continue this job. At the same time as we are giving negotiations a chance and reach our hand out to peace. If one side acts with terror, we will react accordingly."

Despite the ceasefire has gone into effect, Palestinian militants fired several crude rockets into southern Israel, saying they were responding to aggression in the West Bank.

Palestinian Prime Minister Ismael Haniyeh called on the militant groups to show restraint. But he said if Israel wanted calm to continue, it must end its attacks, raids, assassinations and arrests in the West Bank.

Editor:Du Xiaodan