Palestinians deny Israeli soldier's 'imminent' release

A Palestinian politician and a spokesman for the Hamas military wing today denied a report that the release of a captured Israeli soldier in the Gaza Strip could be imminent.

Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida said: “From our side there is nothing new.”

Palestinian politician Saeb Erekat said it was “premature” to say the soldier, Cpl Gilad Shalit, is about to be released.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said in Rome today that Shalit’s release could be “imminent”.

Shalit’s capture in a bold cross-border raid on June 25 touched off a fierce Israeli offensive in the Gaza Strip.