Hamas Rejects Truce

Hamas rejected the condition that kidnapped Israeli soldier, Gilad Shalit, should be released for any truce to happen. BBC

Hamas has said that the release of Gilad Shalit, an Israeli soldier captured in 2006, will not form part of any truce agreement with Israel.

Israel has said a ceasefire deal must include the release of the soldier.

Cpl Shalit was seized in a cross-border raid two years ago by Palestinian militants, including members of Hamas.

Egyptian intelligence chief was in Jerusalem on Monday talking to Israeli officials about a ceasefire offer by the Gaza Strip's militant groups.

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Omar Suleiman has for months been involved in talks with all the militant groups in Gaza - finally producing a joint truce proposal at the end of April.

Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Olmert discussed the subject in a meeting with Mr Suleiman on Monday.

Mr Olmert's spokesman, Mark Regev, said: "Hamas continues to hold hostage the young Israeli serviceman - he must be released."

"Hamas cannot expect Israel to ignore the fact that they are holding one of our young servicemen", he added.