Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert says border crossings with
Gaza will not be fully opened until a captured Israeli
soldier is freed.
Egypt is trying to mediate a long-term truce between Israel
and Hamas, following Israel's bruising offensive in Gaza to
stop Palestinian rocket fire.
Hamas insists that border crossings must be opened to allow
goods into Gaza as part of the deal. Olmert said the soldier,
Sgt. Gilad Schalit, held since June 2007, is Israel's first
priority.
Olmert spoke on Sunday to US Jewish leaders. Referring to the
Hamas demand, he said, "Hamas must think twice if they think
we will open borders before Gilad Schalit is returned home
and healthy."
Olmert said Israel would pay a stiff price, freeing militants
from Israeli prisons.
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