Palestinian militants issue ultimatum to Israel

The three Palestinian militant groups that captured an Israeli soldier have given Israel until 6am tomorrow to release Palestinian prisoners or “pay the consequences”.

The statement, which was faxed to news agencies today, did not say what those consequences would be.

Cpl. Gilad Shalit, 19, was captured on June 25 in a cross-border raid by militants linked to the Palestinians’ ruling Hamas party, the Popular Resistance Committees and the Army of Islam.