Israel promised Egyptian intelligence chief Omar Suleiman not to harm Hamas No. 2 Moussa Abu Marzouk during the latter's visit to the Gaza Strip last week, Al-Hayat reported Friday.
Hamas No. 2 Moussa Abu Marzouk.
SLIDESHOW: Israel & Region | World The London-based newspaper said that Suleiman sought to accelerate a deal for the release of captured IDF soldier Gilad Schalit with the help of the Israeli guarantees.
Another London-based newspaper, al-Quds al-Arabi, reported last week that consultations on Schalit's release was one of the focuses of Marzouk's trip to the Strip
Palestinian sources told Al-Hayat that Abu Marzouk, the deputy chairman of Hamas's political bureau, met Hamas armed wing commander Ahmed al-Jaabri and Hamas Prime Minister Ismail Haniyeh during the visit to Gaza. RELATEDHamas leader Marzouk visits Gaza Strip
According to the sources, al-Jaabri was the one who hid Schalit, is responsible for his welfare and is a central figure in drawing up a list of prisoners the group is demanding in exchange for the IDF soldier's release.
The newspaper further stated that Israel was refusing to free between six and 10 prisoners on the Hamas list, and that no date had yet been set for extensive, marathon talks between the two sides.
The Jerusalem Post could not confirm the reports.
