RAMALLAH, May 20 (JMCC) - Israel released Hamas lawmaker Muhammed Abu Tir from prison Thursday morning, after serving his term. Abu Tir, in prison since 2006 for membership in a terrorist organization, pressed Israel to agree to a prisoner swap in exchange for captive Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit, believed to be held in Gaza.
All Israeli leaders are against the deal to release Gilad Shalit, Abu Tir told reporters following his release. They reached a deal a number of times, but never followed through. Just like I have a family, a father, mother and children, Gilad Shalit also has a mother and father who want him.
If only there was a deal, but it's not in my hands, it is in the hands of the leaders, said Abu Tir. Israel's leaders must think about this. I don't like that Shalit is being held hostage, just as I didn't like being held hostage.
When asked how he felt having been released from prison, Abu Tir said: I feel good, thank God. I paid a heavy price.
Read the story at
Haaretz...