Israel - Palestine Prisoner Swap Fails

Gaza Strip, 18 March 2009 - (The PT) Israeli Premier, Ehud Olmert, announced negotiations over captured solider Gilad shalit have failed. Olmert said in a press conference held in Tel-aviv that negotiations failed to release Shalit. He stressed Israel cannot give what he calls concessions in exchange for Shalit's release. He added that his government, soon to leave office, would push hard for Shalit's freedom. Israels' refusal came under the pretext 450 of the prisons Hamas requested be released, prisoners with long or life sentences, are unacceptable choices. Olmert said his government agreed on many choices before the swap failed. He blamed the breakdown in negotiation on Hamas, stating his government agreed on many names, but can't accept further dictation. The Hamas movement debunked Israeli allegations over the failure, commenting Olmert's government doesn't want successful negotiations. They are leaving office soon and are no longer interested in a swap. Remarkably Hamas is requesting the release of approximately 1000 people including women, children, and youth long held in Israeli detention. It's worth mentioning Israel currently detains over 12 thousands Palestinians, often in poorly maintained facilities. Families are frequently denied access, unable to visit their imprisoned sons. Without constant international pressure, this denial of basic rights will continue. Source